NV Marie Copinet, Brut Blanc de Blancs, Selection, $49.75

This house was founded by Jacques and Brigette Copinet in 1975, in the tiny village of Montgenost in the Côte de Sézanne, which lies to the south of the Côte des Blancs almost like an extension of that region.    

Like its neighbor to the north, the soil in the Côte de Sézanne is mostly cretaceous chalk, and Chardonnay is the predominant grape grown, although about 30% is planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. We have featured several Champagnes from Jacques Copinet in this club in the past, but the estate has since passed into the hands of his daughter Marie-Laure and her husband Alexandre who is now the cellermaster. They use no pesticides or herbicides in their vineyards, which are spread throughout a number of villages, in the Côte de Sézanne, the Côte des Bar, and in the Marne Valley. This wine, 100% Chardonnay, is sourced from vineyards in each of those regions. With five grams dosage, it is clean and fresh, with notes of citrus and green apple, balanced by aromatic floral notes and flavors of pear and brioche. The bubbles are delicate and persistent and it has a long, zesty finish. Enjoy anytime over the next few years.