From: Epineuil, Tonnerre, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Taste: In the glass with a pale gold hue, accented by fine, persistent bubbles. The wine is vibrant and expressive on the nose, offering an elegant bouquet of fresh red berries—wild strawberries and raspberries—interwoven with crisp green apple and pear. These fruit notes are complemented by subtle floral hints of white blossoms, a touch of brioche from its lees aging, and a pronounced limestone minerality reminiscent of its Kimmeridgian clay-limestone terroir. This Crémant is bright, precise, and impeccably balanced on the palate. A lively rush of citrus—lemon zest and grapefruit—leads the way, underscored by a core of fresh orchard fruits and a faint whisper of red currant. The bubbles are fine yet persistent, creating a creamy texture that enhances the wine’s overall complexity. A slight saline edge and chalky minerality. The finish is long, crisp, and refreshingly dry, with just a hint of toast and almond with a delicate mousse.
Pairing: The fine bubbles and creamy mouthfeel make it a natural match for seafood, delicate cheeses, and light, herbaceous preparations, while its elegant profile is best complemented by dishes that aren’t overly spicy or heavy. A perfect pairing is oysters with Champagne mignonette, where the wine’s bracing acidity and minerality enhance the delicate briny flavors, and the mignonette’s slight tang mirrors the Crémant’s citrus notes. For a more substantial option, lemon-herb roasted chicken works beautifully, as the bright citrus and fresh herbs align with the wine’s freshness, while the crispy, golden skin adds a subtle richness that plays well with the fine bubbles. Another excellent pairing is butter-poached shrimp with garlic and herbs, where the silkiness of the shrimp and the aromatic garlic butter provide just the right balance of richness.
Butter-Poached Shrimp With Dill Mayonnaise
By Melissa Clark
About: Dominique Gruhier’s journey has been anything but smooth. Yet, despite his challenges, Dominique radiates warmth, charm, and a natural sense of hospitality that makes anyone feel welcome. As his domaine and the often-overlooked appellation of Épineuil have gained recognition, Dominique has been able to invest in the tools and changes needed to showcase his incredible talent.
The winery’s origins trace back to the 12th century when the Abbey of Saint-Martin de Tours founded a vineyard in Épineuil. These vineyards thrived in the Middle Ages under the eye of monks who recognized the unique terroir of the region, defined by Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils. However, like much of Burgundy, the region faced challenges following the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, which devastated the vineyards and led to a decline in winemaking activity. In 2012, this historic estate celebrated its 800th anniversary under one motivated man, Dominique Gruhier.
