The story of the House of Sélèque, a relative newcomer in this ancient, storied region, began in 1965, when Henri Sélèque planted his first plots of vines with the help of his father-in-law, Jean Bagnost, president of a local wine cooperative. Henri’s son Richard joined the estate in 1974, bringing it in to the modern era, followed by his son Jean-Marc in 2008, representing the 4th generation. With a very hands on, labor intensive approach, they cultivate the vines as their eyes and convictions guide them, adapting to the different conditions that each vintage presents. Solessence, a non-vintage blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Pinot Noir from mostly flinty clay on chalky subsoil, is their calling card. It’s fermented in 70% stainless steel vats and 30% oak barrels with no fining or filtration and a very small dosage of 2g/l, qualifying it as Extra Brut. Crisp, clean and precise with fine, persistent bubbles, it presents gorgeous yet subtle stone fruit and pineapple flavors with a hint of hazelnut and biscuit on the finish. Pairs wonderfully with sashimi, raw bar or chocolate cake!