Today, Chartogne-Taillet remains the only RM producer in the village of Merfy and under Alexandre Chartogne’s guidance, the wines of Chartogne-Taillet are some of the most sought-after Champagnes being produced. Alexandre worked with Anslem Selosse, who he describes as “my wine father”, returning home in 2006. The first wine that he produced was the 2006 vintage of Les Barres, a very special parcel of ungrafted Meunier, planted in 1952. The soil in this parcel is sand for almost 3 meters before the roots reach the chalk bedrock, allowing the vines “to live in two environments”.

Named in honour of the patron saint of Merfy (the village in the Montagne de Reims where the House is headquartered), Cuvée Sainte Anne is assembled from several unique and diverse plots planted between 1970 and 2009 in Merfy and Saint-Thierry.

The current release is based on the 2021 harvest—comprising 55% Pinot noir, 40% Chardonnay with the remainder being Meunier, mainly from the 2020 vintage blended with a reserve wines from 2019 and 2018. Fruit is harvested from vines rooted in sand, clay and chalk terroirs—including the parcels of Les Grands Champs, Les Fontaines and Les Brets—which ultimately contribute to the wine’s distinct vibrancy, opulence and crystalline finesse. Each parcel is vinified separately in various types of vessels to provide different reflections of the village’s identity that, when blended together, become fully representative of its provenance and soulfulness.

A deliciously heady perfume envelops the senses, reminiscent of a light, crispy biscuit filled with rich lemon cream and sprinkled with salt flakes. On the palate: seductive, weighted flavours of dried pear and a tingle of spice are brightened—lifted—with brisk, lively splashes of citrus and stone fruit. A zesty finish follows, lingering long with fine-grained, refreshing minerality.