Veuve Capet Chardonnay Vodka - 70cl

Vodka is usually made from grain or potato. Veuve Capet does something rarer — it's distilled entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Côte des Blancs, the chalky Champagne heartland better known for producing blanc de blancs. Launched in 2014, it claims to be the first vodka made exclusively from Chardonnay, and that grape origin gives it a character grain vodka simply can't reach.

The grapes are hand-harvested, then distilled five times to arrive at something round and elegant rather than austere. It's a French idea through and through: take a noble raw material and treat it with restraint.

Crystal clear in the glass, it opens with a surprisingly expressive nose — citrus and grapefruit zest, drifting into something more exotic, mango and guava. The palate is rich and supple, far softer than the flinty burn you expect from vodka, with fresh citrus and a note of Williams pear. The finish is long and unexpectedly fruity, guava lingering after the alcohol has faded. At 38% it's smooth enough to drink neat and characterful enough to reward it.

This is a vodka for people who thought they didn't much care about vodka. Serve it cold and let the fruit do the talking.

How to Serve

Straight from the freezer, neat in a chilled glass, or over a single large cube. Its fruit-forward character makes an exceptional Martini and lifts a simple vodka soda. Too much mixer buries what makes it special — go light.

Where to Drink It

Dukes Bar in St James's for a legendary Martini. The Connaught Bar in Mayfair for one made with theatre. The American Bar at The Savoy for the grand-hotel treatment.

Food Pairings

Pour it icy alongside smoked salmon or, if you're feeling grand, a spoonful of caviar — the fruit and the salt are made for each other.