Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, almond, brioche, hazelnut, and chalk dust lead the nose. The palate is taut and detailed, with fine bubbles, saline depth, and a long, dry, mineral finish.

Alexandre Chartogne took over his family's domaine in Merfy in 2006, in the Massif de Saint-Thierry north of Reims, and has become one of Champagne's leading advocates for terroir-driven viticulture. Trained under Anselme Selosse, he farms organically, works the soils by horse or light tractor, and vinifies parcel by parcel.

Hors Série marks Chartogne's first venture beyond Merfy, drawn from two small plots of Chardonnay in the Grand Cru villages of Avize and Oger, planted between 1927 and 1986. The highly porous chalk soils drive the wine's tension. Fermentation is native and unhurried, rarely finishing in under two months, followed by roughly nine months in old barrels and around forty months on lees before disgorgement as an Extra Brut.

Pairs well with oysters, sushi, grilled fish, roast chicken, shellfish, and aged hard cheeses.

Serve well chilled but not ice cold. Enjoy now or cellar long term for added complexity.