From: Champagne, France
Varietals: 30% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 5% Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau
Tasting Notes: Aubry makes a great case for Champagne’s historic varieties, which include little-known Petit Meslier, Arbanne, and Fromenteau. These grapes make up just five percent of the classic blend of Pinots Meunier and Noir with Chardonnay. This elegant wine is copper-laden and snappy with a classic depth of minerality, light floral honey aromas, and dark notes of crackers, toasted bread, hints of mint, and pepper. Gracious, ethereal, and oh, so charming.
Pairing: Champagne and scallops are a match made in heaven; buttery scallops with lemon and herbs would play perfectly off the herbal notes in the wine. The sweet and acidic parts of the dish will also complement the floral and toasty components in the wine.
About. Philippe and Pierre Aubry run their family estate in the Premier Cru village of Jouy-lès-Reims, located in the western part of the Montagne de Reims. The family traces its wine growing to 1790 and is well-known for growing ancient grape varieties still permitted in the Champagne AOC. Aubry’s wines are original and individual, representing flavors that fall outside the typical profile of Champagne.
“Proprietors Pierre and Philippe Aubry are twin brothers, although after a few visits it’s easy to tell them apart: Pierre says very little, and always seems to have a lit cigarette; while Philippe is garrulous and inquisitive, as interested in what you have to say about the wines as he is in showing them to you. In fact, the Aubrys have a little tasting notebook that they pull out every time they host visitors, and Philippe will ask you to describe all of the flavor associations that you find in the wines and fastidiously write them down.”—Peter Liem, Champagneguide.net
