Sous Bois means underwood, and that is what Billecart-Salmon has done with their latest release the Brut Sous Bois. The wines used to make the final blend have all been vinified entirely in oak in a return to the original way the Champenois used to make their champagne. Vinifing and ageing in oak gives the wines extra body and texture as well as toasty notes.

The nose shows enticing aromas of ripe apples cinnamon and brioche. On the palate, this shows as a rich and well-balanced wine with a melange of flavours competing for attention – apples, grapefruit, biscuits and a hint of toffee. The finish is long and persistent.