Champagne Le Gallais - A Complex Tapestry

Champagne Le Gallais is a 5 generation family-owned artisanal winery located in the village of Boursault in the Marne Valley of France. I had the utmost pleasure of meeting Charlotte, another #champagne #bubblybadass earlier this year at #wineparis and tasted her exquisite cuvées. She continues the #growerproducer commitment sustainable farming their 7 hectares (which are comprised of 7 plots in 1 family Clos), of limestone flecked with clay, through biodiversity free of chemicals. . The plots are made up of equal 45% Meunier and Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. This particular cuvée comes from a parcel of vines shy of a hillside castle formerly belonged to Madame Clicquot. A blend of 50% Meunier (we are in the Vallée de la Marne after all), 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, with 70% reserve wine!) and aged for 5 years sur lie.

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓰𝓷𝓮 𝓛𝓮 𝓖𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓼 𝓒𝓾𝓿é𝓮 𝓓𝓮𝓼 𝓒è𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓼 𝓑𝓻𝓾𝓽 𝓝𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮

Pours into the glass a golden flecked bubble with fine, persistent bubbles that sizzle with electricity. The aromas are a complex tapestry. Ripe red and orchard fruits lead to citrus zest under a smoky wood veil. As the wine breathes, hints of brioche, honeycomb, toasted almond and forest floor emerge. That first sip, I tell you, it just explodes with powerful vibrancy. The fine crisp acidity leads the charge, then fruit cascades in waves of cherry, strawberry and pomegranate, along with a compote of peach and pear. The mineral and citrus backbone are equally elegant. But wait, the depth appears with each sip and unfolds into toasted brioche, honey, smoky salinity. The texture is luxurious and so refreshing thanks to the zero dosage. The finish is long and lingering as it finishes its story. I cannot think of a better champagne to kick off an exciting new year.

Pair with one of my favorite cheeses, Brillât-Savarin, crab ravioli or decadent caviar.