Val Frison, Champagne 'Cuvee Goustan' Blanc de Noirs NV

Valerie Goustan tends 6 hectares of mainly Pinot Noir vines in the village of Ville-sur-Arce in the Cote des Bar. The business was established in 1997 with her now ex-husband Thierry de Marne, and following their separation in 2007 she struck out on her own, renaming her wine Val Frison. Of the 6 hectares, 3.5 are for her own production, the rest go to the local cooperative. Certified biodynamic since 2003, the wines undergo neither filtering nor fining and no added sulphites are employed.

A pale lemon in colour. A refined nose of citrus fruits and almonds. The palate is lively and crisp with a savoury citrus character and really good length. Well balanced and lively, the finish is short and crisp. Drink with oysters, shrimp or smoked salmon.