The thoughtful Franck Pascal farms 4 hectares of vines near the village of Basilieux-sous-Marne in the Marne Valley. He took over the family estate in 1994 following the death of his younger brother. As a former army scientist, he was well aware of the effect that chemicals have in the agricultural cycle and therefore decided to farm biodynamically, a very unusual step for the Champagne region. He finally achieved biodynamic status in 2002. Grapes grown are Pinot Meunier (57%), Pinot Noir (37%) and Chardonnay (6%), all planted on south facing slopes composed mainly of clay. 'Sagesse' ('wisdom') is mainly Pinot Meunier (60%) fermented in stainless steel tanks with 20% being fermented in oak barrels.  This is a dry, delicate Champagne that makes for an excellent aperitif.

A pale golden in the glass with a delicate, well formed mousse.  On the nose, forward scents of yellow fruits and a persistent minerality. The palate is open and expressive with further mineral notes and an elegant texture. The finish is lingering and crisp with further yellow fruits hints. Great with  paupiettes of sole with a salmon mousseline, partridge and apricot pie or smoked haddock with a fennel puree.