Grower Champagne that Thrills

For most of my 25 years in the wine business, I have been enamored with Champagne. I’ve had the great privilege of drinking vintages back to the 1910s, and everything in between. Where I’ve maybe become a bit lost at times is with grower Champagnes. I’ve always taken any recommendation when someone tells me it’s a “great” bottle, but I find myself more often let down than impressed. It’s been close to a decade since the last time I fell in love with a grower Champagne like I have with the pair below.

I was introduced about 4 years ago to the entry-level cuvée of Adrien Renoir. I was not surprised after tasting it to learn that William Kelley of Wine Advocate was gushing about the great work that this upstart house has been producing. While I’ve continued to consume the entry cuvée, it was my introduction to the top cuvée last week that blew me away. For fans of Krug, but not fans of the price – this is a major gem for you. This is a captivatingly rich and vinous style of Champagne, but all the flavors and nuance are highly pronounced. Suffice it to say, this is a heart-racing Champagne that will be a thriller to open with friends!

For the second wine in our offer, I’ve been familiar with Pierre Paillard for much longer, but have only known them as a great value producer. As brothers Antoine and Quentin have grown up, so have their wines, as they now are much more sophisticated and complex. Highlighting the great terroirs of Champagne, this wine also captures the intense beauty of Pinot Meunier. For the fans of Prevost- Le Closerie- this is a MUST-try! Showing the same level of complexity as the Renoir, but a little more dialed down in intensity. Very pure, with outstanding chalk and mineral notes laced through the entire sip.

Suffice it to say, this is a Champagne lovers do-not-miss email!