We think champagne is for all the time but in this month it acquires a special meaning: the Love libation! Nothing seems more romantic than a bottle of champagne to share with, or to give as gift to the loved one. We choose for you two, a Blanc de Blancs and a Blanc de Noirs; two new maisons to add to our selection of fine bubbles. Look in the eyes of that special one, raise the glass and let the magic begin…
Champagne Philippe Glavier, La Grace d’Alphael, Grand Cru
Philippe and Veronique Glavier’s story is perfectly suited for this month, as Valentine’s Day is soon upon us. Veronique comes from a family of 12 generations of wine growers, and was born and raised in the daily work of her family estate. The last thing she wanted to do is marry a wine grower from the same background. But life is strange and love is blind, as they say. In 1993, during a skiing trip, she met Philippe, who represents the 3rd generation of wine growers in his family. In 1995 they found the will and the way to manage the estate they inherited, and Champagne Glavier was born. Philippe, who studied in Avize, works the vineyards and cellar while Veronique manages the business.
Glavier estate is in Cramant. The pair owns 4.5 hectares (just over 11 acres) of vineyards divided between the villages of Avize, Mesnil, Oger and Cramant. Though this is considered a small property, it is home to 49 different terroirs, each of which are picked and vinified separately, and is reflected in the style of their wines. The cuvees are assembled not with a specific recipe, but only following Philippe and Veronique’s personal tastes. This less orthodox method maybe makes wines less polished and refined, but it shows a more authentic and direct touch. The results are champagnes with muscles, not fat, more nerves, almost rustic but in a genuine sense. Terry Thiese, the most respected importer of artisanal champagne says about Glavier: “Every bottle I opened was tasty and interesting, and they didn’t taste like anything else I knew in the Côte des Blancs.” Philippe and Veronique Glavier’s story is perfectly suited for this month, as Valentine’s Day is soon upon us. Veronique comes from a family of 12 generations of wine growers, and was born and raised in the daily work of her family estate. The last thing she wanted to do is marry a wine grower from the same background. But life is strange and love is blind, as they say. In 1993, during a skiing trip, she met Philippe, who represents the 3rd generation of wine growers in his family. In 1995 they found the will and the way to manage the estate they inherited, and Champagne Glavier was born. Philippe, who studied in Avize, works the vineyards and cellar while Veronique manages the business.
La Grace d’Alphael, an extra-brut made by 100% chardonnay grapes all from Côte des Blancs vineyards including Les Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru, Oger Grand Cru, Avize Grand Cru, and Cramant Grand Cru. 70% of the wine in this bottle is from 2014 vintage and the remaining 30% from older reserves. It goes through malolactic fermentation in stainlees steel tanks and spends more than 28 months ‘en tirage.” Liquer de tirage is a solution of yeast, wine and sugar used to start the secondary fermentation. Each producer has his own recipe (of which they are very secretive); this process helps to create the carbonation and also gives a specific personality to every single champagne.
In the flute the color is hay golden yellow. The bubbles are fine, elegant and consistent. The nose gets whiffs of chalky minerality, small yellow flowers. The palate opens with flavors of fresh peach and orange zest that leads into a slightly roasted gingerbread.
You want to start your evening with this bottle; get some oysters or blini with caviar canapés. From now on everything is going to be fine.
Champagne Moussé Fils, L’Or d’ Eugène, Perpetuelle Blanc de Noirs Brut
A grower, Champagne Moussé sits in the village of Cuisles in a valley perpendicular to the Vallee de la Marne, since 1923, but the family has been making champagne since 1750. This side valley has a unique soil in Champagne: schist subsoil under clay. Pinot Meunier is often overlooked by other champagne producers and customers alike, it doesn’t get the respect that deserves. At Moussé Fils, 80% of the vines planted are Pinot Meunier, with the balance planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The estate comprises 5.5 hectares from the villages of Cuisles, Jonquery, Olizy-Violaine, Châtillon-sur-Marne. Cerdic Moussé, and follows the example of his ancestors practice of organic viticulture, using herbal infusions that act as ‘vitamins’ for the vines, cover crops, zero pesticides, and minimal doses of heavy metals like copper.
L’Or d’ Eugène, is a tribute to Eugène Moussé, the founder of this house over 90 years ago, and it’s a true representation of their terroir. This champagne is made by 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir. For the vinification, a perpetual reserve method is performed using reserve wines from 2003 to 2016, refreshed every year with 50% of the new harvest. The wine goes through malolactic fermentation and is aged 24 month before disgorging. The dosage is 6 g/l.
The color is rich antique gold. The perlage is made of small pretty continuous bubbles. The nose reveals a bouquet of dry herbs and spices like being in an old herbalist shop. The first taste reveals a full body of currants, white peach and honeyed notes, with a nutty finish. Enjoy with wild mushroom risotto, lobster bisque or mild aged cheeses.
Bonne Saint-Valentin à tous les amoureux! La famille PlumpJack
