Champagne Jerome Prevost LC23 La Closerie Les Beguines

If there’s one grower who single-handedly dragged Pinot Meunier out of the "blending grape" shadows, it’s Jérôme Prévost. We’ve watched his tiny plot in Gueux become a place of pilgrimage for anyone chasing Champagne with soul. This isn't about grand chateaus; it’s about 60-year-old vines sitting on a unique mix of sand and clay that Jérôme’s family has tended for generations.

The 2023 season was a real test of nerves. It started with frost and ended with a massive sorting mission at harvest to keep the fruit pristine, but the "classical" elegance of the vintage has really suited Jérôme’s style. In the past, Les Béguines could be a bit of a fortress in its youth - tight, reductive, and needing years to move. Now, with a bit more reserve wine in the mix and the natural generosity of the '23 fruit, it’s landed in a much more expressive place.

It’s got signature Meunier weight - plush pear, spice, and a bit of honey - but it’s the structure that really grabs you. There’s a fantastic mineral tension and a fine, powdery grip on the finish that keeps it incredibly fresh. It’s a sophisticated, vinous drink that feels more like a world-class white wine than a simple fizz.