Thierry Fournier Extra Brut Reserve NV

Champagne Thierry Fournier is a fourth- and fifth-generation family domaine based in Festigny, in the Flagot Valley of the Vallée de la Marne, an area particularly well suited to Pinot Meunier. The family began acquiring vines here in the 1930s, with Thierry Fournier taking over in 1983 and expanding the domaine to around 15 hectares across 11 villages. The vineyards are HVE and VDC certified, with almost four hectares now farmed organically. Festigny has more chalky soils than much of the Marne Valley, alongside the region’s characteristic clay-limestone and marl.

Réserve is the domaine’s flagship cuvée, reflecting its vineyard plantings with 80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes are hand harvested and the wine is fermented in stainless steel before secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing. A proportion of perpetual reserve wine adds depth and consistency between releases, while the 5g/l dosage keeps the wine firmly in Extra Brut territory. Expect ripe yellow fruit, citrus, dried fruit and nuts alongside subtle bread and lees notes, with a rich, rounded palate balanced by fresh acidity and a clean, savoury finish.