The Chartogne-Taillet Les Couarres 2020 (Disgorged May 2025) is a beautifully layered and terroir-driven single-vineyard Champagne from one of the Montagne de Reims’ most respected grower producers. Produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Les Couarres parcel in Merfy, the wine reflects Alexandre Chartogne’s meticulous terroir-focused philosophy, combining low-intervention winemaking with remarkable mineral precision and vineyard transparency. The nose reveals baked apple, blood orange and ripe red berry fruit layered alongside dried herbs, toasted brioche and subtle smoky chalk notes, giving the wine impressive depth and complexity.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly structured mineral core. Layers of orchard fruit, citrus peel and savoury lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and gentle Pinot richness, finishing long, dry and beautifully persistent with outstanding texture and finesse. The warm yet balanced 2020 vintage contributes additional concentration and breadth while preserving freshness and mineral tension throughout.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Chartogne-Taillet Les Couarres 2020 is a superb single-vineyard grower Champagne — savoury, mineral and beautifully refined with impressive depth and precision. Perfect with roast poultry, scallops, mushroom dishes, lobster or aged hard cheeses. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2043+.
