NV Gaston Chiquet Brut 1er Cru 'Tradition'

The Chiquet family has been growing grapes in the Pinot Noir-centric Vallée de la Marne since the mid-1700s, and they were among the first to make and bottle Champagne under their own name, in the aftermath of World War I. The very way we think of Champagne today would not exist, were it not for the many generations of Chiquets devoted to their vines.

Each Chiquet Champagne, even the entry-level non vintage wines, comes from Premier or Grand Cru sites within Champagne. Chiquet is perhaps best known for producing a singular, outstanding blanc de blancs Champagne from the Grand Cru Pinot Noir village of Aÿ; it manages to express both the mineral charm of Chardonnay-based Champagne and the unique terroir of the village.

As its name implies, a classic blended Champagne: 40% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Noir, incorporating base wines from more than one harvest. Assemblage is 80% in 2014 and 20% in 2013, with MF.