Taking after his father and his legendary winemaking, Adrien Renoir is making a statement in their appellation as he converts their farming to biodynamic, making fresh bubbles with finesse. His ‘Le Terrior’ cuvee is 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, bone-dry, bold flavor, with a gorgeous, long finish.
Roland Piollot is descended from a leader of the Champagne Riots, a movement in which Champagne makers pushed for more transparent grape growing, so it’s clear his wines are deeply rooted in local history. His Reserve Brut is aromatic and bursting with notes of golden apple and brioche — perfect for both parties and relaxing nights at home.
Vadin Plateau Champagne Rose 1er Cru Extra Brut Symbiose NV
Almost every champagne consists of a combination of three grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Yan Vadin’s rosé, however, has just a splash of a hyper-local grape called Cumiéres Rouge, named for the village in which his domaine is based. Floral and lush, this exemplifies Yan’s love for his hometown.
Single vineyard, single terrior, single vintage, free from dosage or the addition of sulfur - this grower Champagne from Bénédicte Leroy of Ruppert-Leroy is just about as pure as it gets. The cuvée is complex, elegant & just about as dry as it gets, with aromas of white flower & notes of pear.
It doesn’t get more classic than this: the oldest Champagne house’s oldest cuvée. In the words of the late Gosset cellarmaster Jean-Pierre Mareigner, “This is the true signature of the House.” Tightly-laced acidity and notes of apples, black cherries, and brioche, this bottle is exactly what you want, and expect, of a legendary Champagne house.
Not just “one of the oldest,” Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne; it goes as far back as 1584! They source their grapes almost entirely from premier cru and grand cru vineyards, with as much thought for what happens in the vineyard as what happens in the cellar. The peach and fresh strawberry notes of this rosé would pair perfectly with a rich foie gras.
Piollot Champagne Rose Extra Brut Les Protelles 2018
Pierre and Sophie Larmandier have been farming biodynamically in the chalky white landscape of the Côte des Blancs since the late 90s. They make precise and angular wine from 100% Chardonnay. Dreamy aromatics inspiring thoughts of Meyer lemons rolling down the beach in winter.
Waris Larmandier Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Particules Crayeuses NV
Founded by Charles Heidsieck in 1851, this traditional Champagne house presents some of the best wines in the region, being recognized by royalty and political leaders. His Réserve Rosé ages for at least five years in their cellar, making it deliciously creamy and complex while fun and fruity.
Old-fashioned Champagne houses often produce some of the best quality products, and Domaine Heidsieck is no different. Only using juice from the initial grape pressing, this Champagne is concentrated in flavor and body. Hints of brioche with a vivacious acidity make it age-worthy, but don’t let that stop you from popping it now.
When Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier married in 1971, they established one of the best grower Champagne operations, informed by generations of winemaking history on both sides. They only use Chardonnay from the same geographic latitude, giving their wine a distinct terroir and unique mineral-driven character.
Pierre Brocard Champagne Tradition Brut d'Assemblage NV
Côtes des Bar is arguably the most famous appellation in Champagne, and Pierre Brocard represents the area beautifully. Brocard wants to make wine to be enjoyed immediately, instead of stored away in the cellar. With aromas of pastry and ripe peaches, this Champagne is traditional in every sense and is sure to impress!
