Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV — Pol Roger Champagne, Champagne region. This non-vintage Brut Réserve is Pol Roger’s classic house cuvée, blended from base wines of at least two vintages and the three traditional Champagne varieties.

Appearance and nose: a beautiful golden-straw colour with a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet opens with crisp green apple and pear, then develops floral notes of honeysuckle and toasty brioche.

Palate: fresh and well structured, with flavours of quince jelly, apricot jam and acacia honey. The finish carries candied orange peel and a sweet cardamom spice that lingers, supported by a generous, pillowy mousse.

Blend and winemaking: a classic Champagne blend (approx. 33% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier) composed from around 30 still base wines drawn from at least two vintages. Dosage 10 g/l and aged 36 months on the lees; Pol Roger also allow an additional six months post-disgorgement for the UK, so the wine is ready to drink on release yet rewards short-term cellaring.

Critical reception: William Kelley (Wine Advocate, March 2021) awarded 92/100, describing the release as dramatic and textural with aromas of mandarin oil, honeycomb and fresh bread. Richard Hemming MW (jancisrobinson.com, August 2021) scored 17/20, noting cooked apple, biscuit and a delicious salted‑bread aftertaste.

Provenance and style: famously served as the apéritif at the wedding of William and Kate (29 April 2011), Pol Roger Brut Réserve is an ideal apéritif yet has the backbone to accompany food — particularly fish and mildly spicy dishes.

Serving suggestion: serve chilled as an apéritif or enjoy with pan‑fried sea bass with lemon‑butter sauce, or with a mildly spiced prawn curry to contrast the wine’s honeyed fruit and lively acids.