Champagne Staff Picks
Whether you’re looking for a bottle to mark a special occasion or a brilliant food pairing, allow these six staff picks guide your shopping.
Delouvin-Nowack “Carte Rubis”, Rosé Brut – NV $49.96
This is a delicious medium-bodied sparkling rosé with floral notes on the nose and red berry and spice on the palate. Malolactic fermentation is practiced in the wine house to create a rounder flavor. All of this is supported by smooth bubbles. Enjoy this by itself or paired with smoked fish! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Pierre Gerbais, “Grains de Celles” Extra Brut Réserve – NV $56.96
I could rattle off a bunch of great factoids about this Champagne: organic viticulture since before it was fashionable, a multi-generational family of winemakers, and so forth, but for me, the most important thing is that this wine tastes amazing. Part of that has to do with the inclusion of 25% Pinot Blanc in the blend. That grape lends an aromatic and floral nose, plus hints of tasty stone fruit that just sing. Pinot Blanc is a rarity in Champagne and Pierre Gerbais uses it with stunning results. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Savart Premier Cru “L’Ouverture” Blanc de Noir – NV $59.99
“A laboratory of terroirs and a creator of cuvées.” Those are the words Fred Savart used to describe his winery in the Montagne de Reims. For me, “L’Ouverture” has notes of light brioche, crunchy pear, and cooked apples, while saline ruby grapefruit streaks across on the finish. Its youth works in its favor here, adding a vivacious energy to the bead and a creamy texture that’s great at the table. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Agrapart “Crus 7” Blanc de Blancs Brut – NV $71.99
Agrapart et Fils’ “Crus 7” is a blend of grapes from 7 different villages that’s 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. It’s textured and racy with notes of light toast, fresh mint, white grapefruit, crème fraiche, and underlying salinity. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Drappier, Grande Sendrée Brut – 2009 $139.99
Drappier has long been one of my favorite Champagne houses. If you want a celebratory bottle that has depth, finesse, and power this will certainly fit the bill. Worthy of commemorating an exultant moment or being savored during a lengthy meal, this nuanced blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the L’Aube won’t disappoint. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Vilmart “Émotion”, Rosé Brut – 2014 $189.99
There’s a hedonistic pleasure that I get from drinking Vilmart Champagne. This dense, vintage rosé sparkler absolutely demands to be put on the table, with a dense mousse that feels like pins and needles pressing on the palate. Flavors of strawberry shortcake, tangerine, mint, crème fraîche, and pastry dough encapsulate the sort of cuvée meant for drinkers who want a complex, engaging experience from their sparklers. Vilmart is truly exceptional. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant