Gobillard Baron de Marck Brut NV Champagne, France 75cl

J.M. Gobillard et Fils is a family Champagne house based in the historic village of Hautvillers, the hillside village forever linked with the early story of Champagne. The family has grown its holdings over generations to around thirty hectares, much of it in and around Premier Cru Hautvillers, and it remains firmly family-run.

Baron de Marck is its approachable Brut, built from roughly equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir, the classic trio of the region. The blend aims for harmony rather than any one grape dominating, and gives a rounder, more generous style than a leaner blanc de blancs. The wine is aged on its lees for well over a year, around fifteen months, which softens it and lends a gentle, bready complexity that is the making of it.

As a non-vintage cuvée it is blended for a reliable house style, giving the same fresh, welcoming character with each release rather than the mark of a single year. Consistency is the point, so you know what you are getting.

Expect a lively glass of apple and citrus fruit lifted by a note of freshly baked brioche. The palate is fresh, balanced and easy to enjoy, with a clean, gently fruity finish and real freshness at its core. Well chilled, it makes a bright, uncomplicated start to an evening.

This is an unshowy, honest Champagne that does its job with charm. It makes a fine everyday celebration bottle and a friendly apéritif, equally at home with canapés, light starters or simply good company. Serve it well chilled.