Perseval-Farge, Cuvée de Pinots Brut, $53
Champagne Perseval-Farge is based in the Premier Cru village of Chamery, in the Montagne de Reims. Their small, four-hectare estate is planted half to Pinot Noir, 35% to Chardonnay, and 15% to Pinot Meunier. The Perseval family has been in the village since the 18th century. Today Benoist and Isabelle Perseval are carrying on the family tradition, farming sustainably and with minimum impact on the einvironment so as to preserve the land for future generations. Their vineyard is planted on a single parcel with calcareous-clay soils on the higher part of the slope and sandy-clay soils lower down. Their “Cuvée de Pinots” is roughly half and half Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, vinified 75% in stainless steel and 25% in neutral barrel. It is typically a blend of three vintages and about a third of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. They age the wine for 48 months in their cellar before releasing it and the end result is this elegant and complex Champagne, with beautifully layered flavors and aromas of brioche and stone fruit. Delightful on its own, or you could enjoy it with savory appetizers. A truly lovely Champagne!