Coteaux Champenois Rouge, Vertus

Francois Larmandier employs a portion of his oldest Pinot Noir—around 50 years of age—in the production of a still red wine, which he vinifies and ages entirely in steel. Based largely on the fruit of a single vintage, the wine is augmented by small amounts of a perpetual reserve—a steel vessel to which Francois adds a small amount of wine each harvest. “Rouge de Vertus” is a soft, pretty Pinot Noir with sappy plum and cherry fruit, ample but not obtrusive acidity, and virtually undetectable tannins.