From: Ludes, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay

Taste: This is a stunning expression of Montagne de Reims style, offering both elegance and depth. In the glass, it is a pale gold hue kissed with rose gold fleck with its fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, delicate layers of subtle toastiness intertwine with supple red fruit, crisp Asian pear, and a distinct mineral edge, hinting at the complexity within. The palate seamlessly follows, delivering a balanced interplay of fruit, freshness, and structure. The red fruit notes bring vibrancy, while the mineral undertones and gentle toasty character add refinement.



Pairing: When pairing, it's essential to consider its balance of freshness, structure, and subtle richness. The fine bubbles and crisp acidity make it an excellent match for light to medium-bodied dishes that won’t overpower its delicate flavors—think poached seafood, lightly grilled fish, sushi, or soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert. The wine’s mineral-driven profile and bright acidity pair beautifully with natural salinity or fresh foods, such as oysters, scallops, caviar, or a citrus-dressed salad. Its subtle toastiness and nutty undertones allow for dishes with caramelization or umami elements, like mushroom risotto, roasted chicken with herbs, or truffle fries. The red fruit and Asian pear notes open up opportunities to play with fruit-driven components in a dish, such as duck with cherry sauce, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or roasted pork with apple compote. Lastly, the lively bubbles and crisp profile contrast creamy or rich foods, cutting through the richness of triple-cream cheeses, buttered lobster, or even indulgent fried foods like tempura or potato chips. Whether highlighting its freshness, minerality, or subtle richness, this Champagne shines with dishes that enhance its elegance and vibrancy.



Vegetable Tempura
By Mark Bittman

About: Champagne Georgeton-Rafflin is a family-owned estate in Ludes, a commune within the Montagne de Reims subregion of Champagne, France. The domaine spans 3.5 hectares and has been under the stewardship of the Georgeton family for four generations.

The vineyards of Georgeton-Rafflin are predominantly classified as Premier Cru, situated in the villages of Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses, and Rilly-la-Montagne. Additionally, the estate possesses select parcels in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, renowned for producing some of the finest grapes in the Champagne region. The vineyard composition is primarily Pinot Noir, complemented by Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, allowing for a diverse range of cuvées that showcase the unique characteristics of each grape variety.