From: Mailly-Champagne, Champagne, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: This beautiful Blanc de Noirs champagne is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its friendly aromas show off orchard fruit, red fruits, and a gentle spice note, balanced by an energetic and taut palate that leads to a lengthy, vinous finish. Notes of poached pear, red apple skin, and almonds take center stage on the palate, while a tightly focused core and elegant mousse take it home to a lingering finish. Foregoing the addition of reserve wine to the cuvée has probably added to its nervy, taut, and fresh palate, and its purity is something every lover of the fizz will appreciate.
Pairing: Its ripe pear, apple, and almond notes on the palate make it an excellent match for roasted poultry like herb-crusted chicken or duck breast with a honey glaze. Try pairing it with grilled seabass drizzled with olive oil and herbs or a platter of marinated olives and feta for a Mediterranean twist. The wine’s neat, long finish also complements Asian dishes such as Thai green curry with coconut milk or Japanese tempura, where the crisp, fruity undertones balance the spices and textures.
Roast Lemon-Pepper Duck With Honey Lemon Sauce
Recipe from Michael Romano, adapted by Amanda Hesser
About. In the Montagne de Reims, nestled within the prestigious Grand Cru villages of Mailly- Champagne and Verzenay, lies the rebirth of a legend: Champagne Ernest Remy. This house, steeped in history dating back to its founding in 1883 by Isabey Remy and Zélia Dubois, faced a near-century of trials, including the Great Depression of 1929, which led to a long period where cooperatives managed the family’s grapes. However, in the early 2000s, a new chapter began.
The unexpected journey of Alice and Tarek Berrada, both art historians by trade, has been integral to this renaissance. Meeting in Switzerland, the couple took on the improbable challenge of reviving the family Champagne house from scratch. They have breathed new life into this historic brand.
Today, Maison Ernest Remy’s vineyards, spanning 15 hectares of Grand Cru land, are dedicated primarily to Pinot Noir, a grape variety that reaches its pinnacle in this terroir. These meticulously planted and cared for vines yield wines that express the full potential of the Montagne de Reims’ chalky soils and cool continental climate. While Pinot Noir is the crown jewel, select plots are planted with Chardonnay, chosen for the unique qualities that the soil and exposure provide, promising exceptional blends.
The Berradas’ revival of Ernest Remy is not just about winemaking; it’s about restoring a family legacy with authenticity and innovation. As Tarek Berrada, now the Cellar Master, poignantly reflects, “With my wife Alice, I revived the family Champagne House to share a heritage rich in history and unique know-how.” This quote encapsulates the spirit behind each bottle, where tradition meets the Berradas' innovative vision, creating Champagnes that are as rich in story as they are in flavor.
Wine Notes: Ernest Remy’s Champagne is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, beginning with the manual harvesting and carefully selecting the finest grapes from the
marlstone and limestone soils. These grapes then undergo cellar aging for at least 36 months in vaulted limestone cellars, significantly surpassing the 12-month requirement mandated by Champagne PDO regulations. This extended aging process allows the aromas to mature optimally, producing a well-balanced and perfectly matured wine. The dosage is kept low, with approximately 7 grams of sugar per liter, striking a delicate balance that preserves the wine's natural elegance and character.
