Francis Orban NV. Champagne Extra Brut

Founded in 1929, Orban was one of the early adaptors to bottling their own wine rather than selling off all of it to the large houses. Leopold Orban came on board at 19 years old and was instantly drawn to winemaking, with an eye on the often over looked Pinot Meunier. Since he took over the estate now has 90% of their vines planted to Pinot Meunier with 10% to Chardonnay. This Extra Brut benefits from very healthy, and ripe fruit, so while there are only 3 grams of sugar, the wine drinks like there is more, because it is so full. More to the citrus and pear side of things, with a tiny, fine bead of bubbles and a wonderfully tart snap on the finish.