Gratiot & Cie offers this interesting Champagne, Almanach No. 0 Brut Nature, the result of processing 77% Pinot Meunier grapes and the rest Pinot Noir. Although not a vintage, the basic cuvée of this Champagne is a blend of grapes from a single vintage, with the addition of small parts of reserve wines. All the grapes come from the villages of Charly Sur Marne at an altitude of between 100 and 165 metres above sea level. Vineyards are properly exposed to the south, with plants of an average age of 35 years. The soil here is typically clayey-chalky, with a good presence of limestone and sand. Harvested by hand in September, the base wine is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. In this case, most of the bases, about 88% of the wines produced, undergo malolactic fermentation, while about 4% of the bases are vinified in wooden barrels. In this case, maturation in the bottle continues for a good 10 years, always in contact with its own yeasts, in the dark, in a horizontal position. A precious little jewel, produced in only 2,000 bottles. In the glass it has a beautiful golden yellow colour, with a very fine, uninterrupted perlage. The nose is characterised by rich notes of dried fruit and yellow berries, such as apple and peach, with citrus notes and light floral hints. On the finish, there are pleasant notes of yeast, almonds and brandy. In the mouth, it is fresh and elegant, with fruity notes of apple and ripe peach, followed by hints of citrus and dried fruit. As the seconds pass, light floral, jasmine and yeast hints also emerge. Balanced and persistent, this is a Champagne for true enthusiasts. Without compromise or sugar to soften the drink, this Champagne is perfect for an elegant fish dinner. Excellent with oysters and lobster. When it takes... it takes!