Béléna is Wilfried Crochet's most serious sparkling wine: a traditional-method blanc de noirs made from 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, grown on the limestone and clay soils that share their geology with the Côte des Blancs, aged on the lees in bottle, riddled by hand, disgorged, and finished extra brut. No sweetness to smooth anything over. The blanc de noirs technique presses the dark-skinned Pinot Noir quickly and gently, separating the juice from the skins before any colour can transfer, giving a white wine with the body and texture that only red grapes carry. The Chardonnay brings precision and citrus lift; the Pinot Noir brings the structure, the red fruit tension, and the fullness of texture that makes this wine worth saving for something. Wild strawberry, brioche, a tight mineral line through the middle. The finish is long and dry. This is what Lorraine sparkling wine can be when it takes itself seriously, and when the winemaker has the patience to let the method do its work. Pairs well with oysters, grilled scallops, roast chicken, or aged soft cheese. Works just as well as an apéritif, opened an hour before anyone arrives.
