Champagne Germar Breton Blanc de Noirs NV MagnumThere are some very interesting things going on in Champagnes most southerly and until recently least fashionable growing region. Aube's grapes have traditionally been undervalued by the rest of Champagne, largely due to geography (its vineyards are actually closer to Chablis than to Reims or pernay). But actually, Aube has used this distance to its advantage, first of all by focusing on Pinot Noir, which grows particularly well in its warmer climate

ensures the best extraction of colour

peaches and apricots held up on an elegant shard of zesty acidity

dried apricots

resulting in an elegant and refined expression of Friuli’s terroir

Les Combes is a superb Premier Cru white Saint-Aubin

According to the company

The second fermentation is in steel pressure tanks

cherries and just a touch of black pepper

it emerges as a vibrant and elegant wine

this sparkling rose delivers abundant peach

minerality

Ronco del Gnemiz is lucky to have vineyards based on Friuli’s prized sandstone soil ‘Ponca’ which comprises many layers of soil built up over millions of years making it rich in minerals and microelements which give the wine a highly distinctive character