From: Hautvillers, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Taste: The Extra Brut is a bright, pale gold with a fine and persistent mousse. On the nose, it reveals fresh citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, complemented by green apple and pear. Subtle notes of white flowers, almonds, and a hint of brioche add depth and complexity. The palate is clean and precise, with a vibrant acidity and a chalky mineral undertone. Flavors of crisp green apple, lemon zest, and a touch of toasted hazelnut shine through, leading to a long, refreshing finish. The wine’s low dosage allows the purity of the fruit and the terroir to take center stage.
Pairing: Its bright acidity and minerality make it an ideal match for rich and fatty dishes, cutting through their weight to create balance, while its crisp, clean profile complements lighter, more delicate flavors. The fine bubbles of the Champagne harmonize beautifully with foods that have a crisp or creamy texture, and its minerality enhances salty and umami-rich elements. However, to fully appreciate the wine’s subtle complexity, it’s best to avoid bold, overly spicy, or sweet dishes that could overpower its elegant character.
Crispy Lemon Chicken Cutlets With Salmoriglio Sauce
By Anna Francese Gass
About: If you ask any Champagne expert to name a wine from the Vallée de la Marne’s historic village of Hautvillers, nine times out of ten, the answer will be Dom Pérignon. Often referred to as the “cradle of Champagne,” this is where the iconic 17th-century monk Dom Pérignon developed new techniques that largely influenced the Champagnes we see today.
And yet, while the history here is rich and significant, Hautvillers holds so much more than “Dom.” Considered one of the finest Premier Cru villages in Champagne, this is a grape-growing paradise for passionate grower-producers, with Champagne Louis Nicaise at the forefront of its stellar lineup.
