Sparkling Secrets
Maison Parigot Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “La Sentinelle” NV
About: The Maison Parigot & Richard Crémant de Bourgogne ‘La Sentinelle’ Extra Brut is a sparkling wine that rivals the elegance of Champagne, crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in Burgundy’s limestone-rich soils. With its ultra-dry style, vibrant acidity, and fine bubbles, this Crémant offers a sophisticated yet accessible alternative to Champagne. It’s a true reflection of Burgundy’s commitment to quality sparkling wines.
Producer: Maison Parigot & Richard, based in Savigny-lès-Beaune, has been producing Crémant de Bourgogne of exceptional quality since the late 19th century. Known for their attention to detail and passion for sparkling winemaking, the family-run estate employs the traditional méthode champenoise to ensure finesse and complexity in every bottle. ‘La Sentinelle’ is a shining example of their craftsmanship and dedication to producing wines of distinction.
Notes: Vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus peel, and white flowers are complemented by hints of toasted bread and crushed stone. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with a fine, persistent mousse delivering flavors of tart lemon, yellow plum, and a touch of hazelnut. The Extra Brut dosage ensures a clean, mineral-driven finish with remarkable precision and length.
Food Pairing: This Crémant is a versatile companion to a wide range of dishes, from fresh oysters and shrimp cocktail to roasted poultry or vegetable tarts. Its dry profile and racy acidity make it especially well-suited for rich, creamy dishes like quiche Lorraine or a mild cheese fondue, balancing the richness with its bright, refreshing character.
Courtois Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
About: The Courtois Brut Blanc de Blancs is an elegant Champagne crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, capturing the refined freshness and finesse for which Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are celebrated. Produced in the heart of Champagne, this bottling offers a vibrant, crisp profile with layers of citrus, white flowers, and a delicate mineral edge. Effortlessly sophisticated and impeccably balanced, this wine embodies the timeless allure of Chardonnay in Champagne.
Producer: Pierre Courtois is a boutique Champagne house with a reputation for crafting wines of precision and authenticity. Rooted in the traditions of the region, the house focuses on expressing the purity of Chardonnay through minimal intervention and meticulous winemaking. Each bottle is a testament to their dedication to quality and their intimate understanding of Champagne’s unique terroir.
Notes:On the nose, lively aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and pear are framed by hints of white blossom and toasted brioche. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a fine mousse carrying flavors of crisp citrus, orchard fruit, and a subtle chalky minerality. The finish is clean and elegant, with a lingering touch of almond and pastry cream.
Food Pairing: The Courtois Brut Blanc de Blancs is a natural partner for oysters on the half shell, sushi, or sashimi, as its bright acidity and saline minerality enhance delicate seafood flavors. It also pairs beautifully with light canapés such as smoked salmon blinis or goat cheese tartlets, where its freshness complements creamy and savory notes.
Dosnon Brut “HD Selection” NV
About: The Henri Dosnon Brut Sélection is a classic expression of the Champagne region, blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to create a wine of depth and balance. This non-vintage Champagne combines freshness with richness, offering layers of orchard fruit, subtle spice, and a creamy texture. Perfectly crafted for celebratory moments or refined pairings, this is an inviting and versatile sparkling wine that embodies the spirit of Champagne.
Producer: Henri Dosnon is an artisanal Champagne producer based in the Côte des Bar, a sub-region known for its exceptional Pinot Noir. With a philosophy rooted in sustainable viticulture and traditional methods, Dosnon focuses on creating wines that reflect the character of the land and the craftsmanship of the winemaker. Their Brut Sélection is a quintessential example of their dedication to quality and balance.
Notes: Aromas of baked apple, ripe pear, and lemon curd unfold, accented by notes of toasted hazelnut, honey, and a whisper of baking spice. On the palate, this Champagne is smooth and well-rounded, with a creamy mousse and flavors of golden apple, brioche, and a hint of citrus zest. The finish is long and refined, with a touch of nuttiness and minerality.
Food Pairing: The richness and structure of the Henri Dosnon Brut Sélection make it a superb match for roasted chicken, lobster thermidor, or mushroom risotto. Its balance of freshness and depth also works wonderfully with a selection of aged cheeses, such as Comté or Gruyère, elevating their nutty and savory nuances.
Diebolt-Vallois Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
About: The Diebolt-Vallois Brut Blanc de Blancs is a luminous expression of 100% Chardonnay sourced from the prestigious Côte des Blancs. Known for its precision, elegance, and creamy texture, this non-vintage Champagne captures the beauty of Chardonnay’s purity, with a vibrant minerality and refined citrus profile. It is a quintessential Blanc de Blancs that delights both connoisseurs and casual Champagne lovers alike.
Producer: Diebolt-Vallois is a family-owned Champagne house with a storied history in the Côte des Blancs, where the family has been growing Chardonnay for generations. Their dedication to traditional winemaking methods, combined with an acute understanding of their exceptional terroirs, has made them one of the region’s most respected producers. The Brut Blanc de Blancs is a hallmark of their commitment to crafting precise and expressive wines.
Notes: Elegant aromas of fresh lemon, green apple, and white peach are intertwined with notes of acacia blossom, toasted almond, and chalky minerality. The palate is bright and lively, with a creamy mousse that carries flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and a subtle brioche complexity. The finish is clean, refreshing, and mineral-driven, leaving a lasting impression of finesse.
Food Pairing: This Champagne is an exquisite pairing for delicate dishes such as seared scallops, crab cakes, or poached halibut with lemon beurre blanc. Its crisp acidity and fine bubbles also complement creamy cheeses like Brie or a truffle-infused triple cream, enhancing the wine’s subtle complexity.
Champagne Haton Classic NV
About: Champagne Haton Classic is a versatile and crowd-pleasing non-vintage Champagne that showcases the elegance and complexity of this famed region. With a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this Champagne combines freshness with structure, offering a well-rounded experience. It is an excellent introduction to Champagne, providing both quality and value for those looking to explore the world of sparkling wines.
Producer: Champagne Haton, a family-owned estate in Damery, has been producing fine Champagnes for generations. With a focus on sustainable viticulture and precise winemaking, they craft wines that are both expressive and refined.
Notes: Aromas of apple, pear, and white flowers, with notes of brioche and hazelnut. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine, persistent mousse, balanced acidity, and a smooth finish.
Food Pairing: Perfect with chicken dishes, smoked salmon, or creamy pasta. The wine’s balanced profile complements a variety of flavors, making it a versatile choice for many dishes.
Henri Ehrhart Cremant d`Alsace “Brut 24 Mois” 2020
About: The Henri Ehrhart Cremant d’Alsace “Brut 24 Mois” 2020 is a refined sparkling wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of Cremant d’Alsace. Aged for 24 months on its lees, this Brut is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, offering a rich, creamy texture alongside fresh, vibrant flavors. It is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Alsace’s sparkling wines, providing an excellent alternative to Champagne.
Producer: Henri Ehrhart, a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of Alsace, has been producing wines since the early 20th century. The estate is renowned for its dedication to traditional winemaking practices, with a focus on capturing the unique terroir of Alsace in every bottle. The “Brut 24 Mois” is a shining example of their commitment to quality, showcasing the nuanced flavors that come from extended lees aging while maintaining the freshness typical of the region.
Notes: On the nose, this Cremant d’Alsace reveals aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, and white peach, with subtle hints of toasted brioche and almond. The palate is rich and creamy, with a fine, persistent mousse. Flavors of apricot and citrus are balanced by a lively acidity and a slight mineral edge, leading to a smooth, elegant finish with a touch of nuttiness.
Food Pairing: This Cremant’s rich texture and acidity make it an ideal pairing for poultry dishes like roasted chicken with herbs or turkey breast with a citrus glaze. The wine’s creaminess complements the meat’s succulence, while its acidity lifts the flavors. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to quiche Lorraine, where the wine’s fruitiness and minerality enhance the dish’s savory and buttery qualities.