Gratien & Meyer was founded in 1864, and makes this distinctive sparkling in much the same way as Champagne, albeit from white and red varieties traditional to the Loire. The bottled wines are matured in cellars dug into the limestone soil directly under the vineyards. Pale yellow in colour, with refined, persistent bubbles. The fruit-driven nose has delicate floral hints. Equally fruity on the palate, which is nicely balanced, refreshing and with good length. A food-friendly sparkling, equally at home with fish or poultry as it is with canapés.