Jacquart Blanc de Blancs 2018

Blanc de Blancs 2018 is a particularly engaging way to explore Jacquart's affection for Chardonnay. Made from the 2018 harvest, it gives one grape and one vintage the spotlight rather than drawing on the broader multi-variety blending that characterises the house's introductory range. This is the bottle for a drinker who enjoys a more focused style and wants a clear step beyond an everyday Brut. The wine's appeal is easy to understand in the glass. Citrus notes bring a bright, lively impression, while soft floral accents contribute a more delicate register. A suggestion of brioche adds a subtle savoury counterpoint. These elements make for an inviting profile without suggesting an overly rich or heavy Champagne; they are particularly attractive when freshness is as important to the occasion as complexity. Jacquart was founded in Reims in 1964, relatively recently by the standards of many grandes maisons. Its skill lies in selecting from a wide vineyard palette. Around 150 growths are vinified each year, with more than 60 selected for its Champagnes. That gives the cellar team the flexibility to maintain a recognisable house character while producing more specialised vintage releases. Chardonnay has long occupied a prominent place in this approach. The 2018 vintage should remain attached to this particular bottle when shopping or making comparisons. Jacquart's Signature Brut B018 also points to 2018, but as a base-year edition it is not the same proposition as a vintage Blanc de Blancs. Nor is this wine interchangeable with the more selective, long-aged Cuvée Alpha. Here, the attraction is the clean focus on Chardonnay from one harvest. Consider opening Blanc de Blancs 2018 with roast poultry, a light cheese tart or delicately cooked vegetables. Its citrus lift would also make it an appealing aperitif for guests who prefer a graceful, fresh style. Serve it cool and use a glass with enough room for the bouquet to develop. Choose Mosaïque Brut for Jacquart's broadest house reference. Choose Blanc de Blancs 2018 for the pleasure of its Chardonnay identity, vintage character and lively, lightly savoury profile.