I bring the Champagne, she brings the Cheese = the best pairing🥂
Alexandre Chartogne is superstar grower champagne known for his innovative approach to winemaking, emphasizing quality grapes and neutral oak aging. Located in Merfy, Montagne de Reims, the family prides themselves on letting nature guide them in their passion of parcel cuvées. Sainte Anne is their flagship cuvée, 2020 base of 50% Chardonnay and 50% of both Pinot Noir and Meunier.
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕟𝕖-𝕋𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕥 ℂ𝕦𝕧é𝕖 𝕊𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖 𝔸𝕟𝕟𝕖 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥
Brimming with sparkling delight of pale gold color hints of green flecks green delicate bubbles rising to the surface in a tight mousse.
The initial aromas are cheery and bright on citrus, choke cherries, kirsch, alongside pear and red apple. The chalk and flint notes are the backbone of the structure. As the wine opens up, hints of dried rose petals, vanilla, toasted brioche, smoke emerge as the lively bubbles rise to the surface.
First sip is round, refreshing and lovely. The texture is creamy with a crisp acidity and the ever present energetic bubbles. Intriguing flavors of tart cherry blossom, pastry cream, toasted bricohe. The flavors mirror the beautiful aromas with the fruit taking center stage alongside a honeyed character. The cherry blossom and toasted almond skin, cherry pit and evolve into a lengthy salted hazelnut finish. The finish has a pleasant zing and brings a happy smile with every sip.
Mimmolett, Piave vecchio, Truffled Brie, River Edge Up in Smoke fresh goat cheese (Pasteurized cultured goats milk, at, rennet, smoked over maple, rapped in smoked maple leaves).
Paired with a relaxing evening with my dear friend and cheeses from her shop Cheese Shop Centerbrook in Essex, CT.