Coteaux Champenois has had AOC status since 1974. These are still wines, including reds, rosés and whites; production of the latter is historic and in fact precedes the birth of Champagne. The best-known of the Coteaux Champenois red wines is Bouzy, named after the renowned commune planted with grand cru classified Pinot Noir. Beyond Bouzy, Vertus, Sillery and Aÿ are also highly respected communes. Pre-Phylloxera vines survive here – the craft production of the House of Bollinger. Coteaux Champenois can be produced anywhere in the Champagne region but they are exclusively still wines, of which a large number are a non-vintage blend of different years. These are rare wines, produced in minute quantities; when there is a shortage of grapes the whole harvest is reserved for champagne-making. This Grand Cru Pinot Noir has an elegant, balanced and flawless texture. Aromas are characteristic of this delicate varietal, presenting red berries (raspberry and redcurrant) with subtle hints of wood; in exceptional years, further leathery aromas emerge.