From: Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Because of the substantial amount of reserve wine in the blend, Doquet's 'Arpège' is complex, with a lot of depth. Aromas of spice, black tea, and pear dominate the flinty-silex soils from the Mont Aimé and lend smokiness and depth to the structure. It is beautifully full and dry on the palate.
Pairing: Crispy Rice with Shrimp, Bacon, and Corn by Genevieve Ko has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners, especially since I’ve almost always got leftover rice at home. This recipe has a little bit of everything: salt, fat, and crunch from the bacon; fresh sweetness, acidity, and juiciness from the corn and tomatoes (save this recipe for mid-summer when corn and tomatoes are at their finest, and I promise you’ll thank me); crispy rice and plump, savory shrimp. A perfect accompaniment to your champagne dreams.
About. With holdings of old vines in some of the greatest terroirs in the Côte des Blancs, Pascal Doquet has emerged over the last decade or so as one of the premier vignerons in Champagne. He originally took over his family estate Doquet-Jeanmaire in 1995 and after his father retired, Pascal established his eponymous domaine in 2004. Today he farms just under nine hectares of vines including prime parcels in Le Mésnil sur Oger, Vertus, and Le Mont Aimé. The domaine is certified organic.
