Labor Day Sale - Champagne & Sparkling!

Pommery Brut Royal — Champagne NV

Pommery holds a singular place in Champagne history: in 1874, the house introduced the world’s first successful Brut Champagne — a revolutionary departure from the sweet styles that dominated the era. The Brut Royal is the direct heir to that legacy, a perfectly balanced assemblage of equal thirds Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that has defined the house style for 150 years. Based on the 2018 vintage with reserve wines blended for consistency and complexity, this is a Champagne of vivacity, elegance, and effortless drinkability — earning 92 points from both James Suckling and Decanter.

The color is pale yellow with light green accents. The nose is vivacious and fresh: citrus, white flowers, small berries, verbena, plum, and summer flowers, with lovely shortbread depth. On the palate, it is elegant and vibrant — round and ample, with peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, and honey, sleek bubbles, and a harmonious, minerally finish that never tires. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable Champagne.

James Suckling 92 — “Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy palate. Sleek bubbles.”

Decanter 92 — “Seductive nose of verbena, plum and summer flowers. Lovely shortbread depth and buttery richness on the palate with impressive finish.”

Wall Street Journal (Lettie Teague) — “A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish. A terrific aperitif.”

• Producer: Pommery, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1836 (first Brut Champagne: 1874)
• Vintage: Non-Vintage (base vintage 2018)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: ⅓ Chardonnay, ⅓ Pinot Noir, ⅓ Pinot Meunier
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white flowers, peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, honey, verbena, plum, sleek bubbles, minerally finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, light appetizers; exceptional as an apéritif

The house that invented Brut Champagne in 1874 — Pommery’s Royal is 150 years of perfection in every glass.

Mionetto is one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco houses, with roots in Valdobbiadene dating back to 1887. This single-serve 187ml bottle delivers everything you love about great Prosecco in a perfectly portable format — ideal for brunches, celebrations, mimosas, or an Aperol Spritz on the go. Light straw in color with bright yellow highlights, it opens with a bouquet of honey, fresh apple, and white peach, leading to a crisp, refreshing palate with lively effervescence and well-balanced acidity.

Food Pairings: Spicy curries, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, burgers, pizza, fresh salads, and light appetizers. The classic choice for mimosas and Aperol Spritz.

Varietal: Glera (Prosecco)
Style: Sparkling Brut
Producer: Mionetto
Region: Veneto, Italy
Serve: Chilled in a champagne flute or white wine glass
Bottle Size: 187ml

Expert Reviews

94 Points Wine Specator | A classy rosé that glides across the palate, with flavors of raspberry coulis, yellow peach, chamomile and blanched almond that expand on the creamy mousse and linger on the lightly spiced finish, powered by mouthwatering acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2026.

90 Points Robert Parker |  The latest rendition of Ruinart's NV Brut Rosé is a pretty, vibrant wine that offers up inviting aromas of tangerine, blood orange, plum and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and precise, with tangy acids and a pretty mousse, it's ca harming, comparatively vinous wine that is already showing well.

92 Points James Suckling | The appeal of this excellent rosé Champagne begins with the nose of red berries, ripe nectarine, coriander and red roses. Striking balance of delicate tannins, animating freshness and just a touch of creaminess. Long, very clean and dry finish. The cuvée is 55% pinot noir from Aÿ (some fermented as red wine) and 45% chardonnay. Drink now.

Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal 750ml

Explore the elegance of Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal, a renowned name in the world of luxurious sparkling wines, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. Earning 92 points from James Suckling and 90 points from Decanter, this champagne exemplifies Pommery's legacy, offering a delightful balance of elegance and flavor. A festive salmon pink with a subtle tinge of rust, fruity and fleshy, elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. To create Brut Rosé Royal, Pommery selects some thirty crus with Chardonnay grapes predominant, making up over one-third of the blend, then aged in the Pommery cellars for an average of three years.

James Suckling - 92 Points

A strikingly pale rosé Champagne with a color reminiscent of the coolest still Provence rosé wines. Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas, very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate, the finish as charming as it is clean, thanks to the lively mousse. A very similar blend to the white Brut Royal, but with a dash of red wine added for color and extra body. Drink now.

Decanter - 90 Points

There is some honest and measured precision to this wine, with fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones. It has potential through its robust framework; it is showing well now but will get even better.

Wine Spectator

A bright, balanced rosé Champagne, with flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd riding a creamy mousse. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Winemaker's Description

A festive salmon pink, with a subtle tinge of rust. Fruity and fleshy, elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. Although delightful by day, soft lighting is the most flattering to it colors, making it the champagne of romantic evenings, par excellence.

Pommery - Renowned Champagne House

Pommery Champagne is a renowned name in the world of luxurious sparkling wines, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The house represents tradition and excellence.

Brut Rosé Royal - Flagship Rosé

The Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal exemplifies this legacy. This flagship rosé showcases Pommery's expertise in crafting exceptional sparkling wines.

Selects Some Thirty Crus

To create Brut Rosé Royal, Pommery selects some thirty crus. This multi-cru approach ensures complexity and depth.

Chardonnay Predominant - Over One-Third

In this delicate composition, Chardonnay grapes are predominant, making up over one-third of the blend. Chardonnay provides elegance and finesse.

Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier create a harmonious blend. This classic Champagne trio delivers balance and complexity.

Red Wine Added for Color & Body

A handful of Pinot Noir grapes are made into red wine before being blended with the Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier varieties. A dash of red wine added for color and extra body.

Aged Three Years in Pommery Cellars

The Brut Rose Royal is then aged in the Pommery cellars for an average of three years. Extended aging develops complexity and refinement.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Festive salmon pink with a subtle tinge of rust. Strikingly pale rosé. Distinct pink hue
Aroma: Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas. Delicate aromas. Gracious notes of red berries, cherries, and hints of citrus. Fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones
Palate: Fruity and fleshy. Elegantly robust. Very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate. Flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd. Creamy mousse. Fine bubbles. Perfect balance of freshness
Finish: The finish as charming as it is clean, thanks to the lively mousse. Long and sophisticated

Festive Salmon Pink with Subtle Tinge of Rust

A festive salmon pink, with a subtle tinge of rust. The color is visually stunning and inviting.

Strikingly Pale Rosé

A strikingly pale rosé Champagne with a color reminiscent of the coolest still Provence rosé wines. The delicate hue is elegant and refined.

Distinct Pink Hue

With its distinct pink hue, this champagne not only appeals visually but also promises a vibrant taste experience.

Overflowing with Strawberry & Raspberry

Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas. The red berry character is fresh and inviting.

Gracious Notes of Red Berries, Cherries & Citrus

With gracious notes of red berries, cherries, and hints of citrus. Each sip reveals layers of richness.

Fresh & Mineral Peach, Pear & Nectarine

With fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones. The stone fruit character adds complexity.

Fruity & Fleshy

Fruity and fleshy, showcasing ripe fruit character. The wine has substance and appeal.

Elegantly Robust

Elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. The wine is both powerful and refined.

Very Juicy & Bright

Very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate. The fruit expression is vibrant and pure.

Baked Raspberry, Poached Apricot & Toasted Brioche

With flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd. The complexity is remarkable.

Creamy Mousse & Fine Bubbles

Riding a creamy mousse. The fine bubbles playfully dance on your palate. The bubble quality is exceptional.

Lively Mousse

Thanks to the lively mousse, the finish is charming and clean. The effervescence is perfectly integrated.

Perfect Balance of Freshness

With a perfect balance of freshness, accentuating the champagne's crispness. The wine is refreshing and invigorating.

Long & Sophisticated Finish

The finish is long and sophisticated. The wine lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Charming & Clean Finish

The finish as charming as it is clean. The conclusion is elegant and satisfying.

Honest & Measured Precision

There is some honest and measured precision to this wine. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail.

Robust Framework with Potential

It has potential through its robust framework; it is showing well now but will get even better. The wine has aging potential.

Bright & Balanced

A bright, balanced rosé Champagne offering harmony and elegance. Every element is in perfect proportion.

Champagne of Romantic Evenings

Although delightful by day, soft lighting is the most flattering to it colors, making it the champagne of romantic evenings, par excellence. Perfect for intimate moments.

Versatile Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Aperitif
• Gourmet meals
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Soft cheeses
• Desserts
• Sushi

Versatile Culinary Pairings

Making it a versatile choice for various culinary pairings. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside a gourmet meal, Pommery Champagne caters to diverse tastes.

Refreshing Delight in Every Glass

While ensuring a refreshing delight in every glass. Each sip is a celebration.

Perfect for Celebrations & Special Occasions

This exquisite Pommery Champagne is perfect for a variety of occasions, elevating any gathering with its sparkling presence. Whether you're hosting a celebration, a romantic dinner, or a festive holiday party.

Ideal for Weddings, Graduations & Promotions

It is particularly loved for milestones such as weddings, graduations, or promotions, offering a fitting way to toast achievements.

Adds Luxurious Touch

The Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal adds a luxurious touch to any occasion. The wine embodies elegance and sophistication.

Excellent for Casual Gatherings

Additionally, its vibrant character makes it an excellent choice for casual gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a special moment together.

Celebrating the Joys of Life

Celebrating the joys of life with a glass of this fine champagne. Every moment becomes memorable.

Experience of Indulgence

Sipping on this exquisite bubbly is not just a drink; it's an experience of indulgence that brings people together.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer, writes: Raventós i Blanc De Nit Rosé is a benchmark rosé sparkling wine. The Raventós family’s commitment to biodynamic agriculture serves as the core philosophy of their winemaking. Fine bubbles with a nose of raspberry, red currants, and wild strawberries. Crisp and enticing finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif.

A Spanish sparkling rosé made with biodynamically grown estate grapes in the style of Cava. This Macabeo-driven blend has a pale light pink hue — matched on the palate with an elegant bouquet of pink grapefruit, rose petals, red berry fruits, and lively acidity.

Expert Reviews

Wine & Spirits Magazine — 94 Points | Pepe Raventós adds depth and a touch of color with fruit from Monastrell vines planted in 1974. That addition lays a smoky note and red-fruit hints over a base of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Narcissus scents, peach fuzz, and brisk clarity of flavor — its elegance is hard to resist.

Decanter — 91 Points | Simple nose but very pretty red crunchy fruit and mulberries on the palate. Pleasant acidity and excellent length. Very pretty.

• Producer: Raventós i Blanc
• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Catalonia, Spain
• Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada, Monastrell (1974 vines)
• Farming: Certified biodynamic & organic
• Style: Sparkling Rosé, Brut
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

This Prosecco, boasts a flavor profile guaranteed to delight your palate. With notes of white peach and ripe apple, as well as dog roses and other florals, this white wine is perfectly balanced.

Memo Summary Notes

Fasol Menin "Leonte" Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry is the most classic and representative version from this artisanal winery in Valdobbiadene. It is a Prosecco that focuses entirely on the balance between the typical softness of the residual sugar (Extra Dry) and the mineral freshness of the Treviso hills.

Food pairing: It pairs beautifully with finger food, shellfish, legume soups (such as the typical Venetian pasta and bean soup in a lighter version), and fresh cheeses. It's also surprisingly good with not-too-spicy Asian cuisine (sushi and sashimi).

La Marca Prosecco — Prosecco DOC NV — 375ml Half Bottle

La Marca is one of Italy's most beloved Prosecco houses, crafting Glera from the rolling hills of the Veneto with a focus on freshness, elegance, and effortless drinkability. This 375ml half bottle is the perfect format — enough for two generous pours, ideal for a solo celebration, a quiet aperitivo, or whenever a full bottle feels like too much of a commitment. Light, lively, and endlessly charming, it is Prosecco as it was meant to be enjoyed.

Pale golden straw in color with lively, persistent effervescence. The nose opens with fresh citrus, honeysuckle blossoms, green apple, and ripe peach. On the palate, the wine is crisp and clean with bright fruit flavors — green apple, juicy peach, and lemon — framed by a hint of minerality. The finish is light and refreshing with a tantalizing touch of sweetness that keeps it approachable and crowd-pleasing.

One of Italy's most recognized Prosecco DOC labels — fresh, floral, and endlessly food-friendly from the heart of the Veneto.

• Producer: La Marca, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Extra Dry Sparkling
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus, honeysuckle, green apple, peach, lemon, hint of minerality, touch of sweetness
• Serve: 46–50°F in a flute or white wine glass
• Best Paired With: Oysters, light seafood, mild cheeses, prosciutto, fresh fruit, aperitivo, or on its own

The perfect half bottle — La Marca Prosecco is the benchmark for fresh, elegant Italian sparkling wine at a price that makes every moment feel like a celebration.

Winemaker Description

Francesc Ricart Brut is a cava made following its Traditional Method in the most representative area of the DO Cava, which is the region of Penedes and Sant Sadurní d´Anoia.

Expressing aromas of toast, honeycomb, sourdough and nougat. Elegant sparkling wine with an intense flavour of the local varieties and fine texture. Citrus peel and hint of forest floor flavours are supported by the toasted bread. 

A careful selection of the best Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Perellada local varieties and a meticulous winemaking process -the second fermentation and the subsequent ageing take place in the bottle- are the basis of this cava. This cava respects the essence of a traditional brut and it is a fresh and easy-drinking wine.

Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut Prestige — Veneto, Italy (1.5L Magnum)

Mionetto is one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco producers, with roots in Valdobbiadene dating back to 1887. For over 130 years, the house has been synonymous with the light, fresh, effervescent style that has made Prosecco the world’s most popular sparkling wine. The Prestige Collection Treviso Brut is Mionetto’s signature expression — made from hand-selected Glera grapes grown in the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, fermented in stainless steel using the traditional Charmat method to preserve the grape’s natural freshness and delicate aromatics. The 1.5L Magnum format is the smart choice for entertaining: more wine, better value, and a bottle that makes an entrance.

The nose is fresh and inviting — green apple, white peach, and delicate floral notes with a hint of honey. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and lively, with fine, persistent bubbles, bright citrus fruit, and a clean, refreshing finish. Brut in style, with just enough fruit to balance the acidity. Endlessly versatile and immediately crowd-pleasing.

• Producer: Mionetto, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Brut, Charmat method
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, white peach, floral, honey, fine bubbles, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitivo, oysters, light seafood, prosciutto, soft cheeses, celebrations

Italy’s most beloved Prosecco in a Magnum — Mionetto Prestige is the effortless crowd-pleaser built for any occasion that calls for more bubbles.

About La Grande Dame Jacquemus Artist Series

La Grande Dame 2018 Artist Series by Jacquemus is a stunning collaboration between two icons of French elegance — Veuve Clicquot and the celebrated fashion house Jacquemus. This limited-edition bottle features exclusive artwork by Jacquemus, making it as visually striking as it is exceptional in the glass. La Grande Dame has been Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuvée since its inauguration in 1972, crafted only in the finest vintages from eight Grands Crus of Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 vintage delivers a beautifully balanced expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Expect aromas of ripe stone fruit, brioche, and toasted hazelnuts, with a creamy, full-bodied palate of peach, citrus zest, and subtle minerality. Elegant and long-finishing with exceptional structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings

Perfect with lobster, scallops, foie gras, aged Comté, and fine charcuterie. An exceptional celebratory Champagne for milestone occasions.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2018
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Brut Vintage Champagne
Edition: Artist Series — Jacquemus Limited Edition

Paltrinieri | Solco | Lambrusco dell'Emilia | Emilia-Romagna, Italy | 2024 | 750ml

Paltrinieri is one of the benchmark producers of serious Lambrusco — the kind that has nothing to do with the sweet, mass-market versions that defined the grape's reputation for decades. Based in Sorbara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the estate farms its vines with care and bottles wines that are dry, vivid, and deeply tied to the region's food culture.

The Solco is their entry point and one of the most satisfying bottles at its price. Deep purple-ruby in the glass, it opens with sweet cream, raspberry, and spice before revealing tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit. The finish is long and intense, closing with violet and lavender florals. This is Lambrusco as it should be: wickedly fresh, perfumed, and built for the table.

Serve it chilled (10–12°C) — it works as an aperitif, alongside a charcuterie spread, or as the ideal foil to the rich, fatty classics of Emilian cuisine: tortellini in brodo, mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tigelle.

91 Points — Vinous (Eric Guido): "Wickedly fresh and perfumed with tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit notes. Long and intense, closes with violet and lavender inner florals."

• Appellation: Lambrusco dell'Emilia IGT, Emilia-Romagna
• Grape: Lambrusco
• Style: Dry, sparkling red
• Serve: Chilled, 10–12°C
• Pairs with: Mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini, charcuterie, pizza, tomato-based pasta

Winemaker Description 

Bottega Rose Gold is a 100% Pinot Noir Prosecco from Lombardy in Italy. The cool climate and hilly terrain makes the ideal place for sparkling wine production.

On the eye: A salmon pink color with a fine, persistent mousse.
On the nose: Peach and summer berries.
On the palate: Fresh and crisp with floral notes and flavors of strawberry and peach. Fresh and fragrant with sweet peach and summer berries on the nose. 

Excels as an aperitif or with fish and chicken dishes. Also great with fruit desserts.

Parés Baltà has been farming the Penedès since the 18th century, and today it is one of Catalonia’s most respected organic estates. Materia Prima — Spanish for “raw ingredients” — is their love letter to Xarel·lo in its most elemental form: a Pétillant Naturel made by the Méthode Ancestrale, the oldest sparkling wine method in existence. No second fermentation, no disgorgement, no additions. The wine is bottled mid-fermentation, trapping natural CO₂ from the first and only fermentation. The result is a hazy, living, gloriously unfiltered sparkling wine that feels like the vineyard in a glass.

Pale golden and lightly cloudy, the 2024 opens with an expressive bouquet of citrus blossom, quince, white pear, and apricot. The bubbles are gentle and creamy — softer than traditional method sparkling, with a playful fizz that animates without overwhelming. The palate is vivacious and dry, with bright, saline acidity and a long, refreshing finish that calls for another pour. 100% organically farmed Xarel·lo from the Penedès. Vegan. Serve well chilled.

• Producer: Parés Baltà, Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
• Style: Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat), Méthode Ancestrale
• Appellation: Penedès DO, Catalonia
• Varietal: 100% Xarel·lo
• Farming: Organic | Vegan
• Appearance: Hazy, undisgorged — natural yeast sediment present
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus blossom, quince, white pear, apricot, creamy bubbles, saline finish
• Food Pairings: Raw oysters, ceviche, grilled prawns, anchovies, fried calamari, fresh goat cheese

Ancient method, living wine — Materia Prima is Catalonia’s most delicious argument for natural sparkling.

Jeio Prosecco Superiore — Valdobbiadene DOCG NV

Jeio is the approachable, fruit-forward label from Bisol1542, one of Valdobbiadene’s most celebrated Prosecco houses with roots stretching back nearly five centuries. This Prosecco Superiore DOCG is sourced from the steep hillside vineyards of Valdobbiadene — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape — where the Glera grape finds its most expressive, aromatic form. Elegant, lively, and built for the moment. James Suckling awarded it 91 points.

The nose is fresh and inviting: lemon, lime, spiced pear, and white flowers with a fine, persistent perlage. On the palate, it is smooth, medium-bodied, and flavorful — bright citrus fruit and delicate fruitiness balanced by a clean, refreshing finish. The ideal aperitif, and a natural companion to the table.

🇮🇹 James Suckling 91 — “A fresh and lively Prosecco with lots of lemon and lime character, as well as spiced pears.”

• Producer: Jeio by Bisol1542, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: NV
• Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Grape: Glera
• Style: Sparkling (Charmat method)
• Serve: 8°C (46°F) in a flute
• Size: 187ml (single serving)
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, lime, spiced pear, white flowers, fine perlage, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitivo, light appetizers, seafood, fresh cheeses

Bright, elegant, and unmistakably Valdobbiadene — Jeio is Prosecco Superiore done right, in a perfectly portioned single bottle.

Cavicchioli Lambrusco Dolce — Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Cavicchioli is the benchmark producer of Lambrusco — a family winery based in Sorbara, Emilia-Romagna, with over a century of experience crafting Italy’s most beloved sparkling red. The Lambrusco Dolce is their sweet expression: lightly sparkling, brilliantly ruby red, and irresistibly easy to drink. This is the wine of the Emilian table — the one that flows at Sunday lunches alongside prosciutto, mortadella, and tortellini in brodo. Serve it well-chilled and enjoy it without overthinking. Life is too short for serious wine at every meal.

The froth is evanescent with a violet hue and continuous, fine perlage. The color is a brilliant ruby red. The nose is fruity and floral — fresh red berries, a whisper of violets, and a gentle sweetness that is inviting rather than cloying. On the palate, it is sweet and harmonious, lightly sparkling, and refreshingly easy — the bubbles and gentle sweetness make it a natural match for spicy dishes, grilled meats, and summer entertaining. Think of it as Italy’s answer to a cold beer on a hot day.

• Producer: Umberto Cavicchioli & Figli, Sorbara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Appellation: Emilia-Romagna IGT
• Varietal: Lambrusco
• Style: Sweet, lightly sparkling red — Lambrusco Dolce
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh red berries, violets, sweet and harmonious, fine persistent bubbles
• Serve: Well-chilled
• Best Paired With: Prosciutto, mortadella, charcuterie, grilled meats, spicy dishes, pizza, casual summer entertaining

Italy’s most fun sparkling red — Cavicchioli Lambrusco Dolce is the wine that makes every meal feel like a celebration.

Pascal Agrapart is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, farming his family's vineyards in Avize with a quiet, uncompromising dedication to terroir. Certified organic, working with natural yeasts, and bottling without fining or filtration, Agrapart represents the intellectual and artisanal pinnacle of the Côte des Blancs — a producer whose wines are sought by collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

The Agrapart & Fils Champagne Les 7 Crus Extra Brut NV Organic (Base 2023) 750ml is a Blanc de Blancs assemblage drawing on têtes de cuvée from seven premier and grand cru terroirs across Avize, Oger, Cramant, and Oiry. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged 32–44 months sur lie, with 25% of the wine matured in older 600L casks for added texture and complexity. Bottled unfiltered with a minimal dosage of just 5 g/L and SO2 at 50 mg/L — a wine of precision, integrity, and remarkable depth.

Creamy and flavorful yet precise and vertical, with an array of citrus, chalk, and white flower that carries through to a long, mineral finish. A benchmark expression of organic Champagne craftsmanship.

Winemaking Details

• 100% Chardonnay — Blanc de Blancs
• Terroirs: Avize, Oger, Cramant & Oiry (7 premier & grand crus)
• Natural yeast fermentation; 100% malolactic
• 25% aged in older 600L casks; remainder in tank
• Aged sur lie 32–44 months; manual riddling
• Bottled unfiltered; dosage 5 g/L; SO2 50 mg/L
• Certified organic | Base vintage: 2023
• 750ml

Winemaker Description

From the province of Treviso — one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco zones — this Brut Prosecco pours a luminous straw yellow with an emphatic yet elegant mousse. The bouquet is redolent of golden apple, while the palate delivers appealing notes of golden apple, white peach and honey with a clean, refreshing finish.

Food Pairings

• Antipasti, bruschetta, or light appetizers
• Fresh seafood, sushi, or oysters
• Soft cheeses and fruit
• Perfect as an aperitivo or celebratory pour

Product Details

• Producer: Mionetto
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Berlucchi ‘61 Franciacorta Extra Brut — Lombardy NV

In 1961, Guido Berlucchi produced the first bottle of Franciacorta — and in doing so, created an entirely new category of Italian sparkling wine. The ‘61 Extra Brut is a direct tribute to that founding moment: a wine that honors the method, the place, and the vision that put Franciacorta on the world stage. Made from 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Nero, aged 24 months on the lees in the traditional method, it earns scores of 92 from James Suckling, 91 from Vinous, and 90 from Wine Advocate — and delivers the kind of precision and elegance that makes Franciacorta Italy's most serious answer to Champagne.

The nose is vivid and inviting — Asian pear, lemon oil, green apple, lime flowers, and an enriching hint of toasted brioche and sourdough. On the palate, the wine is supple and pleasing, with a core of citrus-tinged acidity balancing a pleasant inner sweetness. Young peach, white pepper, orange peel, and inner florals resonate throughout, while almond paste and salty mineral linger on the finish. Large yet soft bubbles, refreshing acidity, and a lean, focused body make every sip leave the palate perfectly reset for the next.

James Suckling 92 — "Clean and simple, tight nose of green apples and lime flowers. Large yet soft bubbles, refreshing acidity and lean body with a fruity finish." • Vinous 91 — "Supple and pleasing… nuances of almond paste and salty mineral linger." — Eric Guido • Wine Advocate 90 — "Clean and sharp… good amount of bread or sourdough to elevate the bouquet." — Monica Larner

• Producer: Guido Berlucchi, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Franciacorta DOCG
• Blend: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Nero
• Method: Traditional Method — 24 months on the lees
• Style: Extra Brut Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Asian pear, lemon oil, green apple, lime flowers, toasted brioche, sourdough, white pepper, orange peel, almond paste, salty mineral
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, risotto, soft cheeses, light antipasti, aperitivo

Three scores, one honest price — Berlucchi’s ‘61 Extra Brut is the benchmark for what Franciacorta, Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine appellation, can be.

Winemaker Description 

When Edmond de AYALA founded the House in 1860, he focussed on crafting a champagne with a distinct and recognisable style, known today as AYALA Brut Majeur. A pure and balanced champagne which showcases the diverse personalities of Champagne’s different Terroirs.

Crafted with a unique diversity of crus from Champagne’s vineyard, this cuvée is a multi-cru and multi-vintage blend with Chardonnay as main grape variety.

To preserve this pure style, the House brings its expertise and meticulous approach to the micro-vinification process, always with a minimum of intervention on wines.

Gramona La Cuvée Aliances — Corpinnat, Catalonia 2022

Gramona is the undisputed standard-bearer of Corpinnat — the prestigious new appellation born from a breakaway group of the finest traditional-method sparkling wine producers in the Penèdes, committed to stricter quality standards, longer aging, and a deeper expression of Catalan terroir. Founded in 1881 in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Gramona has farmed biodynamically for decades and is one of Spain's most respected sparkling wine houses, producing wines that rival the finest Champagnes in complexity and longevity. La Cuvée Aliances is their entry into the Corpinnat range: a traditional-method Brut crafted from the classic indigenous varieties — Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada — grown on certified organic and biodynamic vineyards in the heart of the Penèdes.

The color is pale yellow with steel edges — white gold in the glass. The nose is elegant and medium-intensity: floral notes wrapped in stone fruit — peach and apricot — alongside golden apple, lemon peel, and pineapple. Bakery notes of brioche and almonds add depth, with balsamic hints of fennel and bay leaf giving a distinctive Catalan character. On the palate, it is fresh, precise, and beautifully balanced — fine persistent bubbles, lively acidity, and a clean, mineral-driven finish.

"Pale yellow, steel edges. Elegant floral notes wrapped in stone fruit — peach, apricot, golden apple, lemon peel, pineapple. Notes of bakery, almonds, fennel and bay leaf." — Gramona Winemaker

• Producer: Gramona, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Corpinnat
• Method: Mètode Tradicional (Traditional Method)
• Varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada
• Style: Brut
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, apricot, golden apple, lemon peel, pineapple, brioche, almonds, fennel, bay leaf, mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled seafood, sushi, tapas, Manchego, light appetizers, aperitivo

Spain's answer to great Champagne — Gramona La Cuvée Aliances is biodynamic, precise, and one of Corpinnat's most compelling values.

Expert Reviews - 2022

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2022 De La Finca comes exclusively from their own vineyards, 60% Xarel.lo, 30% Macabeu and 10% Parellada, and has the added complexity and nuance from a longer élevage, no less than 30 months in bottle with lees and closed with a cork after refermenting. It's bone dry, not adjusted, and sold as a brut nature. It has a bright, almost fluorescent yellow color and a very expressive nose with notes of yeasts and Mediterranean herbs, subtler, more complex and with smaller, more integrated bubbles and a vibrant, clean and precise palate, super tasty. It comes from the plots on slopes already classified by Pepe Raventós's grandfather. Here, they have lower yields, accentuated by the vintage, which is more marked in the wine, as it's always from the same plots. The whole clusters are pressed, looking for longer aging potential, and fermentation is in concrete, always thinking about a longer-lived wine. It's a generous wine from a generous year. 55,000 bottles and 1,000 magnums were produced.

James Suckling 92 Points | The nose shows subtle cream, minerals and touches of white almonds, dried herbs and chalk. Almost bone-dry on the palate, with an ample mousse and very good weight and volume. Medium- to full-bodied with a subtle, medium-long finish. Nicely phenolic at the end. From organically grown grapes. Xarel-lo, macabeu and parellada. Nothing earthy here. Drink now or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Situated on the highest terraces of the River Anoia, the Vinya dels Fòssils vineyard has marine soils with a high fossil content. This characterises the structure and the soil composition of this vineyard. The carbonates are the component that provides the main source of typicity to this sparkling wine with a high saline expression. It is a sparkling wine with a unique identity and personality.

Vincent Cuillier L'Arbre Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature — Champagne 2022

L'Arbre is Vincent Cuillier's most personal wine — a single-parcel Blanc de Noirs from Les Voyets, the family's most historic vineyard in the Marne village of Pouillon. The name references Cuillier's deep commitment to vitiforestry: the integration of trees and biodiversity into the vineyard ecosystem as a living expression of natural viticulture. Made exclusively from 100% Pinot Meunier with zero dosage, this is a vintage Champagne of remarkable purity and depth. Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel, 36 months sur lattes, and hand disgorgement with no fining or filtration — nothing added, nothing taken away.

Plump, forward berry fruit opens the nose — red cherry, wild strawberry, and a whisper of brioche — kept in elegant check by crisp acidity and fine, mineral-driven lines. The palate is taut and precise, with the zero dosage revealing the wine's true character: pure, focused, and long on the finish. A Blanc de Noirs of genuine cellar-worthiness and rare transparency of place.

"L'Arbre is grower Champagne at its most uncompromising — a single parcel, a single variety, zero dosage, and a winemaker who lets the vineyard speak."

• Producer: Vincent Cuillier, Pouillon, Marne, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2022 (Disgorged)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Parcel: Les Voyets, Pouillon
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Style: Blanc de Noirs, Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
• Vinification: Indigenous yeast, stainless steel; 36 months sur lattes; hand-disgorged
• Dosage: Zero | Farming: Natural viticulture / Vitiforestry
• Fining & Filtration: None
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, wild strawberry, brioche, crisp acidity, mineral lines, long pure finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sea urchin, shellfish, charcuterie, aged ham, mushroom dishes, Brie, Camembert, roast chicken

Single parcel. Single variety. Zero dosage. 36 months on the lees. Vincent Cuillier's L'Arbre is the purest expression of Pinot Meunier in Champagne.

Delight in the elegance of A Margaine 1er Cru Le Brut NV, a refined Champagne that perfectly balances freshness and finesse. Bursting with vibrant notes of citrus, green apple, and delicate brioche, its fine bubbles and crisp acidity make every sip celebratory. Ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood and light dishes, this NV Champagne embodies the artistry of the Premier Cru vineyards and the house’s dedication to excellence.

Riondo | Prosecco DOC | Extra Dry | Veneto, Italy | 187ml Split

Prosecco in its most personal format — a single-serve 187ml split that delivers all the charm of the full bottle without the commitment. Riondo is one of the Veneto’s most reliable Prosecco producers, drawing on Glera grapes from the DOC zone to craft a wine that is effusively fruity, floral, and clean. Extra Dry in Prosecco terms means just a touch of residual sweetness — enough to round out the fruit and soften the bubbles, without tipping into sweet territory. Persistent effervescence, delicate floral notes, and a crystal-clean finish make this the ideal aperitif, celebration pour, or single-glass treat. Perfect for events, gifting, or stocking the fridge for a spontaneous moment worth marking.

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Extra Dry (lightly off-dry)
• Format: 187ml Split (single serve)
• Method: Charmat (tank method)
• Best For: Aperitivo, events, gifting, single-serve entertaining

Critical Acclaim

Wine Advocate | 90 Points: Effusively fruity, light-bodied offering with terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence, and a clean, delicate finish. Crystal clean and pure — an ideal aperitif. An amazing Prosecco.

Pairing Suggestions

• Aperitivo: Prosciutto, melon, light bruschetta, or fresh fruit.
• Casual: Soft cheeses, smoked salmon blinis, or a simple spritz base.
• Celebration: A festive single-serve pour for toasts, events, or gifting.

Ca' del Bosco | Cuvée Prestige 48th Edition | Brut | Franciacorta DOCG | NV

Franciacorta is Italy’s most serious answer to Champagne — made by the traditional method, from the same grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco), with the same extended lees aging, and with the same ambition for complexity and finesse. Ca’ del Bosco is the house that built the category’s reputation. Founded in the 1960s in Lombardy’s lake district, it remains the benchmark producer — meticulous in the vineyard, exacting in the cellar, and consistent across every edition of its flagship Cuvée Prestige. The 48th Edition spends a minimum of 24 months on the lees, building the fine, persistent mousse and the toasted brioche character that define the house style. The result is a wine of genuine elegance: ripe peach and apple on the nose, layered with buttery brioche, butterscotch, and a subtle mineral thread. The palate is rich yet precise, with a creamy texture and a long, clean finish. Exceptional as an aperitif, and equally at home alongside a celebratory meal.

• Appellation: Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardy, Italy
• Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco
• Method: Traditional method (Metodo Classico)
• Lees Aging: Minimum 24 months
• Edition: 48th
• Dosage: Brut
• Format: 750ml

Tasting Notes

Ripe peach, apple, and toasted brioche on the nose with notes of butterscotch and a subtle mineral thread. Rich, creamy palate with a fine, persistent mousse and a long, clean finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Aperitivo: Prosciutto, grana padano, or light antipasti.
• Seafood: Risotto ai frutti di mare, grilled langoustines, or seared scallops.
• Celebration: A versatile companion for any occasion that calls for bubbles.

Pommery Champagne Brut Royal NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Pommery is one of Champagne’s most storied and innovative houses, founded in 1836 and famously credited with introducing the first successful dry “Brut” style Champagne to the world in 1874 — a style they have been perfecting ever since. Based in Reims, Pommery is known for its elegant, refined approach and its iconic Art Nouveau cellars, carved deep into the chalk beneath the city. Brut Royal is the house’s signature non-vintage expression: an equal blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, crafted to showcase the balance, finesse, and minerality that define the Pommery style. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle.

The Wall Street Journal’s Lettie Teague describes it as “a lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish” — and calls it “a terrific aperitif.” The nose is civilized and elegant, with apple, lemon, peach, grapefruit, biscuit, and dried fruit. The palate is creamy and round, with citric balance, real poise, and a refreshing bite of citrus on the finish. Sleek bubbles throughout.

Decanter — 93 points

“Civilised apple, lemon and dried fruit nose. There’s a nice lift in the mouth with citric balance and real poise. Full of character.”

James Suckling — 92 points

“Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy palate. Sleek bubbles. Base vintage 2018.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 points

“A reference in the region. Fine balance, rich but with good touches of minerality and crisp white fruits. The finish with its bite of citrus is attractively refreshing.”

Wall Street Journal — Lettie Teague

“A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish… a terrific aperitif.”

Food Pairings

Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, and light appetizers. Perfect as an aperitif or to open any celebration.

Blend: Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV (base vintage 2018, 9–10 g/L dosage)
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 93 pts Decanter | 92 pts James Suckling | 90 pts Wine Enthusiast

Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche are among Champagne’s most admired growers — farmers first, winemakers by conviction, and producers of some of the most mineral, structured, and genuinely terroir-driven Champagnes being made today. Working nine hectares across the Vallée de la Marne, Petite Montagne, and a sliver of Montagne de Reims, the brothers converted to biodynamics in 2007 and have never looked back. Vinification is predominantly in barrel with natural yeasts, no malolactic fermentation, and an increasing use of cork for secondary fermentation — a deliberate set of choices that produces wines of uncommon depth and longevity at every level of the range.

The Brut Réserve is the purest expression of the Bérêche domaine: a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier drawn from the chalky soils of Ludes on the Montagne de Reims, the sandy terroir of Ormes in the Petite Montagne, and the clay-limestone of Mareuil-le-Port in the Vallée de la Marne. With 35% reserve wine integrated into the blend, it soars from the glass with citrus oil, green apple, and a restrained touch of brioche. The palate is medium-bodied and precise — savory and fresh in equal measure, with the vibrant, mineral-driven acidity that is the unmistakable signature of this house. The finish is long and crystalline.

• Producer: Bérêche et Fils, Ludes, Champagne, France
• Style: Brut Réserve NV
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier (35% reserve wine)
• Farming: Biodynamic | Organic
• Vinification: ~75% barrel fermented, natural yeasts, no malolactic fermentation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus oil, green apple, brioche, savory mineral, vibrant acidity, long crystalline finish
• Food Pairings: Oysters, sea urchin, Dover sole, aged Comté, caviar, classic French aperitif

Biodynamic farming, no malo, barrel fermentation — Bérêche Brut Réserve is grower Champagne at its most uncompromising.

97 Points by Antonio Galloni, Vinous

The 2022 Brut Nature Chemin de Rois is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, vinified and aged in barrel. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, the 2022 is seriously impressive right out of the gate. All the elements are so well balanced. The purity of the fruit, the definition, the balance—everything is so profoundly beautiful. This sensational Champagne puts Vincent Cuillier on the map. I can't recommend it highly enough. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: March 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.

Winemaker Description

The Cava Brut by Elvi is a highly drinkable sparkling wine made from grapes grown in Spain's fertile wine regions. The coloring is very light, and nearly translucent with a straw coloring and some greenness. The bubbles are nice and prominent, both pleasurable to the eye and mouth.

The aroma is complex, with many different notes. A touch of fruit, a touch of yeast, and a touch of almond swirl around in the nose. The texture feels nice in the mouth with lighter acids that fall away at the end and a shorter aftertaste. Very enjoyable and easy to drink.

VINOUS 93 Points

The NV Extra Brut Rosé ADN de Meunier is a classic-layered and supple with rose petals, mint, dried cherry, mint, spice and orange peel. Assembled with the inclusion of 10% still red Meunier, the Rosé is exquisitely nuanced and super expressive, offering great depth and tons of personality.

Vilmart & Cie Cuvée Rubis Brut Rosé 1er Cru — Champagne NV

Vilmart & Cie is one of Champagne's most celebrated grower estates, farming Premier Cru vineyards in Rilly-la-Montagne and Villers-Allerand with a practicing organic approach and a commitment to traditional winemaking. The Cuvée Rubis is their signature rosé — a Pinot Noir-dominant blend of 90% Pinot Noir (including 15% red wine addition) and 10% Chardonnay, drawn from 35+ year old vines on clay and limestone soils. Fermented and aged entirely in large foudre with no malolactic fermentation, the wine is built for texture, depth, and longevity. Thirty-plus months on the lees and a 8 g/L dosage complete a cuvée that consistently earns scores of 90–93 points across the major critics.

Generous and expressive on the nose: red berries, plum, blood orange, and dried flowers with a lovely yeasty undercurrent. The palate is fleshy and enveloping — pureed raspberry, blood orange granita, lime peel, and biscuit — carried by a pillowy mousse and a spine of chiseled acidity. The finish is lively, delicately phenolic, and notably dry for the style. Already drinking beautifully, with the structure to evolve through 2030 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 93 • Wine Advocate 92 • Burghound 91 • Jeb Dunnuck 90 — "Fine and harmonious… concentrated yet ethereal." — Wine Spectator

• Producer: Vilmart & Cie, Rilly-la-Montagne, Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
• Vineyards: Rilly-la-Montagne 1er Cru & Villers-Allerand 1er Cru
• Blend: 90% Pinot Noir (incl. 15% red wine), 10% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: 35+ years
• Soil: Clay and limestone
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vinification: Fermented and aged in large foudre; no malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: 30+ months
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, plum, blood orange, dried flowers, raspberry, lime peel, biscuit, pillowy mousse, chiseled acidity
• Best Paired With: Salmon, duck breast, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheeses, roast poultry, berry desserts

93 points from Wine Spectator. 30+ months on the lees. Foudre-aged with no malo. Vilmart's Cuvée Rubis is Premier Cru rosé Champagne at its most serious and rewarding.

Gaston Chiquet | Tradition | Premier Cru Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV

Wine Spectator: 90 Points — Vibrant and balanced, with flavors of nectarine, candied orange peel, slivered almond and oyster shell set on a lacy texture. Fragrant hints of white blossoms and lemon thyme show on the finish. #86 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Golden yellow hue, packed with yeasty aromas of fresh bread dough, golden peach, chamomile and ginger. A youthful and fluffy mousse fills the palate, leaning toward a full-bodied style, with a rich texture, well-balanced mid-palate and a broad-shouldered finish.

The Wine Advocate: 90 Points — An inviting bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, honeycomb, Meyer lemon and warm biscuits. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with a youthfully frothy but refined mousse, a succulent core of fruit and ripe but racy balancing acidity. Already drinking well.

Gaston Chiquet is one of Champagne’s most storied grower-producers. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston Chiquet became pioneers among the region’s independent growers by producing and selling Champagne from their own fruit — a tradition now carried forward by eighth-generation Nicolas Chiquet from the Premier Cru village of Dizy in the Vallée de la Marne. Tradition is the house’s flagship non-vintage Brut, a classic three-grape blend that has defined the Chiquet style for generations and earned a place on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

The blend is led by Pinot Noir, with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, drawn entirely from Premier Cru vineyards in Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay. The vines are rooted in clay and limestone soils over the region’s underlying chalk. Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified entirely in stainless steel, preserving the purity of fruit and the character of each vineyard site. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. Following secondary fermentation in bottle, Tradition spends more than 48 months aging on its lees, developing a fine, persistent mousse and layers of fresh bread, biscuit and toasted nut complexity. Finished at a dosage of approximately 6 grams per liter.

Golden yellow in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of dried apricot, golden peach, fresh citrus and a hint of honeycomb, followed by warm biscuit, chamomile and ginger. The palate is lively and richly textured — nectarine, candied orange peel, white peach and slivered almond are carried by a lacy mousse and bright, racy acidity through a long, fragrant finish of white blossoms and lemon thyme.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, sushi, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, fried appetizers, mushroom dishes and moderately aged cheeses.

• Producer: Gaston Chiquet
• Cuvée: Tradition
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay
• Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
• Farming: Sustainable
• Soils: Clay and limestone over chalk
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: 48+ months
• Dosage: ~6 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve wine proportions, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement dates may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different disgorgements of the same cuvée.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 92 Points Eric Guido | More savory than sweet and wonderfully complex, the 2019 Brut Rosé North Coast bursts from the glass with toasty notes of fresh baguette and almonds, giving way to crushed apples and gingery spice. This rushes the palate with an elegant bead of silken bubbles. It is creamy yet energetic, and mineral-tinged orchard fruits add further tension. The 2019 leaves the senses wonderfully refreshed through the long, crunchy finale, as white strawberry and spice cookie notes fade. The Brut Rosé is a pleasure bomb, yet it’s wonderfully balanced throughout.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.    

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A delicate, graceful rosé, with refined strawberry, fresh ginger and yeast roll tones that glide on the supple finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now.  

Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut NV — Champagne

Laherte Frères is a benchmark grower-producer in Chavot, farming biodynamically and organically across 10 hectares in the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne. The Ultradition is their signature cuvée — a multi-vintage blend anchored by old-vine Pinot Meunier, built to express terroir transparency and minimal intervention. Wine Spectator awarded it 92 points, calling it “vivid” and “clean-cut and minerally on the finish.” John Gilman added 92+ points, praising its “superb soil signature, refined mousse, and a very long, complex, dancing finish.” At this price, it is one of the most compelling values in grower Champagne.

The nose opens with white peach, spring flowers, chalky soil tones, gentle smokiness, and a dollop of brioche. On the palate it is full-bodied and extremely elegant — pure, with a fine core, refined mousse, and a long, dancing finish of citrus and mineral. Pinot Meunier at its most expressive.

Wine Spectator 92 • Vinous 92 • John Gilman 92+ — “Pure, full-bodied, and extremely elegant, with a very long, complex and dancing finish.”

• Producer: Laherte Frères, Chavot, Champagne, France
• Style: Brut NV
• Blend: 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Dosage: 6–8 g/L
• Farming: Biodynamic, Organic
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, spring flowers, chalk, brioche, citrus, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, sushi, aged Comté, roast chicken, caviar

A 92-point biodynamic grower Champagne at an honest price — Laherte Frères’ Ultradition is the benchmark for what Pinot Meunier-driven Champagne can be.

Expert Reviews 

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Best after 2022.

93 Points James Suckling | Attractive salmon color with aromas of dried strawberries and lemons, as well as hints of flowers. Full-bodied with tight tension from the fine phenolics that run through the palate. Hints of white pepper, peaches and sliced green strawberries with some candied lemons, too. Always an excellent bottle. 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 30% pinot meunier. Drink now.

91 Points Decanter | Currently based on the 2016 harvest, this is floral and citrussy, showing a lithe, graceful balance. It’s a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Meunier, with about 40% of reserve wine, and red wine accounts for 7% of the blend. Its delicate, subtly expansive flavours of raspberry and strawberry are enlivened by a tangerine-like acidity, and while it feels ripe and full in flavour on the palate, it never loses its sense of refinement and poise, finishing with detailed length and depth.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | A fine composition of red fruits and taut citrus, this Champagne is poised and fragrant with acidity and light tannins.

90 Points Wine Spectator | Delicate notes of yellow plum, marzipan, verbena and fleur de sel are set in this firm and finely meshed rosé Champagne. Creamy finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Persistent mousse, with fine bubbles rising slowly. Pale salmon pink in color, with a shade of gold. A nose of red fruits and fresh pear. Delicate fruit on the palate, elegant, and showing great finesse. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

A perfect combination of softness and concentration, matched by a masterful maturity, The 2015 Cristal Brut delivers intense and delicious aromas with a superb energy and a magical vibration.

This is a timeless champagne with a chalky temperament, sustained by its soils, freed from the sunny character of the vintage.The nose begins with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, combined with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. 

Then comes the great surge of energy from the wine's structure, a vibratory intensity that transforms into a gentle caress, a silky texture interwoven with fine flavors of candied citrus and iodized spices.The vintage's chalky character thus bursts forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise and finely honed freshness.

The finish is underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes, which creates the ultimate sensation of delicacy and concentration.Cristal 2015 remains a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the chalky nature of its soils rather than the sunny character of its vintage.

A perfect Cristal, intensely of the 2015 vintage, with enormous ageing potential.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 97 Points | The warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.

96 Points Wine Spectator | This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck | I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985.

95 Points Decanter | An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon.