Telmont Réserve Brut Champagne 75cl

Telmont's Réserve Brut is blended across seven different years and built on three grapes — around 43% Chardonnay, 37% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir — finished with a gentle dosage of roughly 5g/l. That low dosage keeps the wine dry and honest.

Telmont is the sustainability standard-bearer in Champagne. The house is converting its estate to full organic, runs on renewable energy, has scrapped gift boxes entirely and ships nothing by air. The bottle in your hand uses a high proportion of recycled glass. None of that would matter if the wine were dull — happily, it isn't.

Expect a fine, elegant mousse and a nose of honeysuckle with a whisper of vanilla. The palate leans on orchard and stone fruit — mirabelle plum, a touch of candied citrus — with a lightly spiced edge and a mineral, chalky finish. Three years on the lees give it just enough bready weight without tipping into richness.

This is an aperitif champagne first and foremost, and a well-priced one at around £53. Open it before dinner, or whenever a Tuesday deserves upgrading.

How to Serve

Chill to 6–8°C and pour into a white-wine glass rather than a narrow flute — the wider bowl lets the honeysuckle and chalk actually reach you.

Where to Drink It

Noble Rot for a champagne that rewards a proper wine list. The Wolseley for a grand-café aperitif. Bibendum for a long, unhurried lunch.

Food Pairings

Beautiful with a plate of oysters, or with something salty and fried — tempura prawns or good chips work far better than you'd expect.