Arbane

The historic grape variety Arbane is a rare treasure of Champagne. Native to the south of the region, on the chalky soils of the Côte des Bar, this late-ripening variety demands great patience in the vineyard. In the cellar, it rewards with a taut, almost electric acid structure and a mineral profile reminiscent of green apples, meadow herbs and wet stones. Arbane brings an irrepressible freshness to the wine, which remains vibrantly alive even after long lees ageing.

Just how fascinating this rarity can be is demonstrated by the biodynamic winemaker Olivier Horiot. In his complex Solera reserve, he combines Arbane with Chardonnay and Petit Meslier to create a dense Brut Nature. It also shines alongside Pinot Blanc in the “5 Sens” cuvée, contributing that fine-nerved energy that pairs excellently with oysters or seafood.