As the name suggests, the Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs Brut Vertus Premier Cru is 100% Chardonnay and a pure expression of this variety from Vertus. Slightly broader than the Grande Reserve, it shows some honeyed characters and fruit purity, finesse and elegance. Which do I prefer? I’m not sure perhaps after working through a six-pack of each I could make a clearer call, with a gun to the head I would take the aperitif perfect Grande Réserve, though seasoned Champagne connoisseurs may go the Blanc de Blanc.

Passionate about their land which has been cultivated by their ancestors since 1856, the Fourny family produce Champagnes from grapes grown in the premier crus of Vertus, a village located in the south of the prestigious Cote des Blancs.

Champagne Veuve Fourny & Fils has been an active family domain since 1856. The estate is located in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, in the premier cru village of Vertus. Brothers Charles-Henry and Emmanuel Fourny sustainably farm over nine hectares of vineyards and have been carrying on the family wine growing tradition since 1993.

Veuve Fourny produces classic grower Champagne, raising pedigreed fruit, adhering to high standards, and hand-crafting wines that showcase the chalky terroir of Vertus. All of the Fourny vineyards are farmed according to the same meticulous practices and principles, and each parcel is vinified separately. Over 30 parcels!

Veuve Fourny is a small family-owned estate business offering great value for money. Three vintages plus older reserve wines spend 2½ years on tirage, with a low disgorgement dosage. A flowery bouquet with citrus zest, hints of spice and toast; a long, intense palate with some nutty/biscuit notes before a vivid, fresh finish. This is a lovely, lissom Blanc de Blancs. Rating: 95 Points; James Halliday, Weekend Australian

Emmanuel and Charles-Henry Fourny craft wines of great purity from their old, organic vines in the premier cru village of Vertus at the southern end of Champagne’s Cote des Blancs. Beach-fresh, linear and very fine, with white peach, crunchy apple, taut lemon fruit and salty minerality. Price: $85; Rating: 94 Points; Tyson Stelzer; The Champagne Guide

Well here we go. Beautiful drinking chardonnay at a sensible price. Crisp and fresh but has a bit of spunk about it. A sparkling wine like this makes me wonder why I bother with anything else. It’s beautiful fizz. Pears, crisp green apples, yeasty bite, a flush of rose petals and excellent intensity of flavour. It’s brimming with life, gently creamy and awash with scent. There goes the afternoon. Hunt it out. Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

A personal favourite of mine. Its foundation is three consecutive vintages, with 20% of reserve wines. Extensive use of French oak during maturation. Dosage only 5g/l when disgorged in March 2023. The bouquet is flowery, the palate gently filled with honey and brioche. Date: Nov 2023; Price: $90.00; Rating: 95 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2023; James Halliday Wine Companion