With the passing of Memorial Day, the outdoor barbecue season is in full swing. Spark up the grill
and let’s start grilling! Summer outdoor parties demand food friendly wines such as crisp light-bodied whites, savory rosés and hearty, but fruity new-world reds. However, don’t forget one of the most versatile categories, Champagne. As a nation, we tend to think of the precious ‘
Méthode Champenoise’ for sacred ceremonies, milestone celebrations and exclusive dinner parties, but there is no better time to experience small production Champagne. The wines from this band of family growers are now coming to the states in record numbers.
Sure you can spring for a "Grande Marque" like
Cristal or
Dom Perignon, but it can set you back a few bucks. Labels aren’t everything when you’re hosting friends and family for a summer gathering. Our site consistently features older vintages of these luxury cuvées and sometimes in larger formats. However, don’t overlook the savvy deals found in the ‘Single-Grower’ category. In most cases, these estates have been family owned for a few centuries and historically have sold top rated premier and grand cru grapes to the larger luxury houses. Today, many of these houses are featured by the glass at some of the most touted restaurants and cafés in America. More often than not, these unsung wonders retail between $35.00 and $75.00. You’re not paying for a commercial brand here, but what’s in the bottle. In more instances than not, these houses stress an assemblage of highly rated premier and grand cru rated fruit, which is typically estate owned.
Browse through the site and you will find unknown gems like
Chartogne-Taillet,
Egly-Ouriet,
Jean Vesselle,
Alain Soutiran and
Pierre Gimonnet to name a few. These Champagnes don’t need a special occasion or ceremony to toast with, but just the right food to pair with to make for a memorable palate experience. Below you will find some highlights of the ‘Single-Grower’ portfolio in which the importance of terroir (sense of place) and a whole lot of complexity meet.
1999 Chartogne-Taillet “Cuvée Fiacre” Brut, Merfy $58.00Noted Champagne Expert and author, Tom Stevenson raves about the “Cuvée Fiacre” and I tend to agree. A blend of old-vine Chardonnay (60%) & Pinot Noir (40%) that is expressive of jasmine and orange blossom on the nose followed by plenty of mineralized pear and quince. The finish sings with a contrast of dazzling acidity and notes of talc n’ chalk. The 1999 has just started to open up to become a divine accompaniment for some cracked crab or shrimp toast.
NV Egly-Ouriet Brut Tradition, Ambonnay $54.00The name ‘Egly’ doesn’t conjure a glorious image, but close you eyes and taste any of their bottlings and you will instantly understand why avid Champagne lovers stock their cellars with Egly Ouriet by the case. Francis Egly is at the top of the small grower elite, with his estate located in the heart of the Côte de Noirs. He specifically owns grand cru vineyards in Bouzy, Verzenay and Ambonnay. The house has claim to some of the finest Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in the appellation. His non-vintage is 100% grand cru sourced from 35 to 40-year-old vines, typically two thirds Pinot Noir and one third Chardonnay. The Pinot really resonates through the mouth conjuring flavor profiles of raspberries, cranberries, lime zest and roses. Not many non-vintage have this long of a finish. How about pulling out the Pork butt from the smoker for pull pork sandwiches or perhaps a spicy Cuban Pork sandwich?
NV Jean Vesselle Rosé Saignée Brut, Bouzy $40.00Delphine Vesselle has taken over the helm with tremendous success, considering her father, Jean Vesselle passed away in 1996. The 300 year old estate is located in the village of Bouzy, most famous for its Pinot Noir. I personally crave for Vesselle Rosé every chance I get. A wonderful hue and pinpoint bubbles ignites the senses. A noble Champagne indeed, with the body and palate of a red wine. Wildflowers with luscious wild strawberries and cherries will please any Pinot lover. Can we get some wild salmon on the grill? Please!!
2000 Alain Soutiran Brut Millesime, Ambonnay $39.00Maison Alain Soutiran is another Ambonnay house that is known for Pinot Noir. One of only 17 houses granted grand cru status. Back in the 1970s, Alain Soutiran pulled the family grapes out of the huge local cooperative to begin fashioning one of the region’s full-bodied Champagnes, showcasing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 35 to 40 year old vines. His wine is a delicate balance between refinement, power and finesse. The 2000 Grand Cru Brut struts harmonious layers of apple, quince, candied lemon and toasty yeast flavors, all leading to a super bone-dry finish. This effort would work wonders with a firm and meaty grilled white fish like Mahi Mahi or Chilean Sea Bass napped with a spicy fruit salsa or Thai spice rub.
