Château Portal Cuvée les Molières 2015

Roche Lacour winemaker Laurent Mingaud works his magic beneath the cool hills of Limoux. Here, the monks of Saint Hilaire are said to have mastered sparkling wine methods in 1531, centuries ahead of Dom Pérignon. Bottles back then were fragile and didn't travel, so their success remained a secret. The cuvée is rich in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – like Champagne – with just a splash of creamy Chenin Blanc, and the wine is oak-fermented – just like Krug! It's an expensive, labour-intensive technique (so rarely practised) yet important for extra depth and complexity. Savour Laurent Mingaud’s labour-of-love with deserving crudités and canapés, think salmon blinis and fresh oysters.