From: Champagne, France
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: From the north end of the Côte des Blancs, SE of where #1 was from, we're going to dive into a Grand Cru area called Chouilly. The Côte des Blancs is (as you probably guessed) dedicated to white grapes, namely, Chardonnay. If you don't generally like "Chardonnay," not to fear, this isn't like those. As is typical for this area, this champagne is all about finesse. Think of soft, toasted lemon bars with a side of perfectly baked croissant served next to poached pear. You'll find the palate silky, sultry, and racy but with supple edges. Overall, it's disarmingly pretty and one of our favorite champagne's to indulge in when we're craving take-out sushi or fried chicken from the Chicken Supply.
Pairing: Overall, it's disarmingly pretty and one of our favorite champagne's to indulge in when we're craving take-out sushi or fried chicken from the Chicken Supply.
John Charles' Grandfather (an American immigrant from Italy) was in the trenches of the Marne, near Avenay-Val-d'Or in 1917 and met and married a French woman from the area. They moved back to the U.S.and had a son, Albert
June 6th, 1944 Albert, lands on Normandy as part of Patton's First Army. He participates in the liberation of Avenay-Val-d'Or in Champagne and meets Paulette but moves on with the Army of Liberation. After many letters, he returns to Avenay in 1963 and marries Paulette. They remain in Champagne. With a passion for both his new wife and for Champagne, he works to become the first American winegrower in Champagne.
Albert's son, "John Charles" (named for John F. Kennedy and Charles De Gaulle) works the Domaine and learns the ways of Champagne. He becomes the first American to be both Owner and Winemaker for a Grand Cru Champagne house.
