EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:

This is an exceptionally rare and small quantity wine that is from a micro producer in the Châlons-en-Champagne region. The Wine Spies has the first and exclusive allocation of this wine in the United States. If you are a fan classic French Champagne, get yourself some of this delicious bubbly.

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Mission Codename: Tradition of Excellence

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Acquire an exclusive small production Champagne perfect for our operative’s upcoming holiday celebrations.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: L’Hoste Père et Fils

Wine Subject: Champagne Tradition Brut

Backgrounder:

Originally considered a fault for wine to have a secondary fermentation in the bottle, Champagne has become among the most sought after wines. While Dom Perignon is credited with inventing Champagne in 1690, evidence suggests that the legendary monk spent most of his time riding his wine of its evervescent qualities. Checking our history, the 1718 manuscript Memoire sure le Maniere de cultiver la Vigne et de Faire le Vin de Champagne, discusses the creation of this sparkling masterpiece at least six years before Dom Perignon arrived in the region.

Considered a specific wine with a designated AOC, Champagne is usually made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Petit Meunier and Pinot Blanc. Champagne is also different in that it is ‘Assembled’, or blended with as many as 50 or more base wines, hence many Champagnes are Non-Vintage.

The L’Hoste Père et Fils is located in the village of Bassuet near Châlons-en-Champagne in the Cote de Blancs region where most of the Champagnes are made with white Chardonnay grapes. This house blends and assembles Champagne in several styles including this Brut – Blanc de Blancs as well as a lovely Brut Rose and Demi Sec among others.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright and crystal clear straw yellow with a pales edges and a vibrant effervescent mousse, once settling, tiny pin-head bubbles cascade upward to the surface.

Smell – Predominantly Chardonnay lead on the nose with classic aromas of fresh green apple and pear along with some dried apricot blend with a little spice, soft toasted biscuit and subtle whey. Orange blossom and white flowers and a touch of honey along with soft toasted oak invites a sip.

Feel – Tingly and bright on the palate, this medium-bodied dry sparkling wine has lively acidity and good weight as it glides over the palate. Fresh and crisp as it expands over the palate, and as the fizz fades, this wines soft creamy texture lingers.

Taste – Bright and fresh green apple, tart pear and hints of dried fruit and toasted nuts and biscuit linger with soft cream and orange blossoms and a subtle note of honey.

Finish – Clean and long with the effervescence lingering and softly fading leaving behind hints of this sparkling wine’s ripe and fresh fruit.

Conclusion – The L’Hoste Père et Fils Champagne Tradition Brut is a lovely sparkler with plenty of bright and fresh fruit character and depth of aroma and flavors, unlike some bubbly that simply fades away on the palate, this wine lingers long with lively effervescence, vibrant flavors and an elegant mouthfeel. A perfect wine to enjoy as the starting point of your next celebratory meal. Pair this with freshly shucked oysters or a crab and avocado.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Châlons-en-Champagne can be seen in this satellite photo.