Champagne Jerome Blin is based in Vincelles in the Vallee de la Marne, where the Blin family has been growing vines since 1671. Now farming six certified organic hectares in the Marne Valley, Jerome Blin represents the fourth generation to bottle under his own label and works with indigenous yeasts and minimal sulphur, consistent with a natural winemaking philosophy. Pinot Meunier is the dominant variety of this sub-region, but the Octave is the estate's singular Chardonnay expression.

The Cuvee Octave is produced entirely from Chardonnay, an unusual choice for a producer in the Marne Valley whose terroir is historically dominated by Pinot Meunier. Presented here as a vintage wine from the 2017 harvest at extra-brut dosage, the Octave encapsulates Blin's ambition to produce wines of terroir specificity rather than house-style consistency. The 2017 growing season in Champagne was marked by spring frost, reducing yields, but the summer was warm and dry, delivering well-concentrated fruit.

Chardonnay Champagne from the Vallee de la Marne is relatively rare compared to the dominant Blanc de Blancs production on the Cote des Blancs, and the vintage format at extra-brut dosage signals clear ambition. Jerome Blin's Champagnes have attracted growing interest among grower Champagne specialists who value the honest expression of the Marne Valley's distinct terroir, particularly the silty limestone soils that impart a different mineral character from the chalk of the Cote des Blancs.

Best served as an aperitif or with elegant first courses. Chardonnay at extra-brut dosage and full lees ageing from a warm vintage like 2017 should have developed considerable complexity by now. Serve at 9 degrees in a tulip flute to concentrate the aromatics.

Pale gold with fine persistent bubbles. The nose suggests toasted brioche, white blossom, lemon balm, chalk and a menthol freshness. The palate is precise and mineral-driven, with delicate citrus flavours, well-calibrated acidity and a saline, focused finish. Clean and refined for the vintage.