Germar Breton Blanc de Noirs Champagne Brut NVThere are some very interesting things going on in Champagnes most southerly and until recently least fashionable growing region. Aube's grapes have traditionally been undervalued by the rest of Champagne, largely due to geography (its vineyards are actually closer to Chablis than to Reims or pernay). But actually, Aube has used this distance to its advantage, first of all by focusing on Pinot Noir, which grows particularly well in its warmer climate

black olive and rosemary notes alongside ripe blackberry and damson fruit

One of Montalcino's shining lights

whose pedigree is rooted in an extraordinary combination of exceptional fruit

This wine offers a beautifully floral and spiced profile

all made with minimal intervention (no added yeasts

while the reds adopt a classic Bordeaux style and austere tannins

ex-Bourbon and ex-Spanish Sherry casks

matching varietal to a suitable soil

dried fruit and smoky aromas while the palate is broad in body but with delicious freshness

At Poggio Scudieri they are committed to producing the most authentic expression of the unique Sangiovese Grosso clone on Montalcino's famous Alberese limestone soils

rose petals and orange blossom typical of this variety alongside a honey and dried apricot notes on the nose

with ripe and vivid black and red berry fruit