
Independent sommelier and consultant
Adelina Estate Introspect 2022
Australia, South Australia
96/100
Overall rating
3/5
Value for money
€37,35
€47,00
€75,00/pcs.
Why shop with us?
Alain Reaut Champagne Merci Nature Extra Brut is a distinctive grower Champagne that shines a light on two of Champagne’s lesser-known grapes: Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Crafted with minimal intervention and a very low dosage, it’s a pure, chiselled expression of terroir aimed at drinkers who value authenticity and precision. This non-vintage cuvée nods to Champagne’s historic diversity of grape varieties, offering a style that feels both traditional and quietly avant-garde.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, Merci Nature Extra Brut shows a pale straw to light gold hue, animated by a fine, persistent stream of tiny bubbles. The nose is delicate yet characterful, with notes of white blossom, pear, fresh apple, citrus zest and hints of stone fruit, supported by subtle brioche, hazelnut and chalky minerality.
On the palate, the wine is taut and dry, with the low dosage highlighting its racy acidity and vibrant, crunchy fruit. Flavours of green and yellow apple, ripe pear, lemon peel and white peach are layered over a saline, mineral backbone, with gentle pastry and nutty nuances adding depth as it warms in the glass. The finish is long, clean and mouth-watering, leaving a lingering impression of citrus and chalk. Enjoy it now for its energy and freshness, or cellar for 3–5 years to allow the texture and subtle autolytic notes to broaden further.
Production
Sourced from carefully tended vineyards in the Champagne region of France, Merci Nature draws on the character of cool-climate, chalk and limestone-rich soils that give Champagne its hallmark tension and finesse. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris—two permitted but rarely highlighted Champagne varieties—are harvested by hand to ensure optimal selection at the press. In the cellar, Alain Reaut favours a restrained, low-intervention approach: gentle pressing, cool fermentations to preserve aromatics, and extended lees contact to build texture and complexity. The Extra Brut style, with very little dosage added at disgorgement, lets the natural balance of fruit, acidity and minerality take centre stage, in keeping with the cuvée’s "Merci Nature" ethos.
Food & Serving
This Champagne’s brisk profile and subtle complexity make it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with oysters, scallop crudo, shrimp cocktail, sushi and sashimi, as well as delicate white fish, lightly grilled vegetables and simple goat or fresh cheeses. It also works well as an elevated aperitif alongside charcuterie and fine charcuterie-style snacks. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F); a brief 10–15 minute rest out of the fridge before serving allows the aromatics to open. Decanting is not necessary, but pouring into proper tulip-shaped Champagne glasses will showcase its fine mousse and layered nose best.
Producer
Alain Reaut is a grower-producer dedicated to crafting characterful Champagnes that reflect their origins rather than a generic house style. Working in the Champagne region, the estate’s focus on lesser-known, heritage varieties such as Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris places it among a small but influential group of producers reviving Champagne’s historic diversity. By combining careful vineyard work with a thoughtful, nature-respecting philosophy in the cellar, Alain Reaut has built a reputation for precise, expressive wines that appeal to drinkers seeking authenticity, individuality and a stronger connection to the region’s rich winemaking heritage.
| Type | Champagne |
| Producer | Alain Reaut |
| Vintage | NV |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Grape | Pinot Blanc, Grauburgunder | Pinot Gris | Pinot Grigio |
| Alcohol | 12.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Food pairing | Cheese, Fish, Aperitif |
We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.

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