From: Champagne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: The bouquet is a harmonious combination of ripe citrus notes, such as lemon and grapefruit, complemented by green apple and white peach aromas. Subtle hints of brioche, toasted almond, and white flowers add complexity and depth to the nose. On the palate, the Champagne is lively and refreshing, with a backbone of crisp acidity that balances the rich flavors of ripe citrus, green apple, and a touch of honey. The wine's chalky minerality and delicate creaminess from its time spent on the lees provide a luxurious mouthfeel, while the finish is long, elegant, and satisfying.
Pairing: The NV Champagne Philippe Glavier La Grace d'Alphael Grand Cru is a versatile food companion, pairing well with a range of dishes, from light appetizers to richer main courses. Its vibrant acidity and minerality make it ideal for cutting through creamy or buttery textures, while its fruity and brioche notes complement more savory flavors.
The Champagne pairs beautifully with classic French dishes like oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon blinis, or a rich and creamy lobster bisque. For a more substantial pairing, consider either a traditional Coquilles Saint-Jacques, featuring scallops in a creamy sauce and topped with Gruyère cheese, or the Creamy Potato Gratin With Smoked and Fresh Salmon recipe by Yotam Ottolenghi below!
This elegant Champagne also complements a variety of vegetarian dishes. Pair it with a goat cheese and beetroot salad, a mushroom risotto, or a truffled cauliflower gratin. For a lighter option, consider a French onion tart with caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and fresh thyme.
Creamy Potato Gratin With Smoked and Fresh Salmon
By Yotam Ottolenghi
About. In the picturesque village of Cramant, nestled within the heart of the prestigious Côte des Blancs region, lies a small but remarkable 4.5-hectare estate: Champagne Philippe Glavier. The domaine, run by the passionate and dedicated couple Philippe and Véronique Glavier, has been meticulously crafted from the ground up since its inception in 1995. Today, it boasts vineyards in some of the most esteemed terroirs of Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Les Mesnil-sur-Oger.
One of the shining stars of this family-run estate is the NV Champagne Philippe Glavier La Grace d'Alphael Grand Cru. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this exquisite blend comprises 60% 2017 vintage and 40% reserve wine. It reflects the unique characteristics of the Côte des Blancs region and showcases the exceptional care and expertise that goes into crafting each bottle.
The Glaviers' attention to detail is evident in their meticulous management of 49 individual terroirs, each picked at optimal ripeness and vinified separately. This ensures that the final cuvées are assembled based on taste rather than formula, resulting in wines that truly express the essence of their origin.
The terroir of the Côte des Blancs is renowned for its chalky soils, which provide the perfect conditions for growing Chardonnay grapes. These soils, along with the area's east-facing slopes, contribute to the minerality, high acidity, and freshness that are hallmarks of Chardonnay-based Champagnes from this region.
The NV Champagne Philippe Glavier La Grace d'Alphael Grand Cru is a prime example of this distinct Côte des Blancs character. With grapes sourced from the grand cru villages of Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, and Avize, this wine encapsulates the elegance and refinement associated with the best Chardonnay Champagnes.
The wine's élevage in stainless steel and 29 months spent sur latte contribute to its complexity and depth. The result is a Champagne that is both rich and balanced, showcasing flavors of ripe citrus, green apple, and brioche, alongside a vibrant acidity and a lingering minerality.
Sustainably farmed and produced with a deep respect for the land, the NV Champagne Philippe Glavier La Grace d'Alphael Grand Cru is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of Philippe and Véronique Glavier. It is a wine that not only speaks to the unique qualities of the Côte des Blancs region but also stands as a symbol of the Glaviers' unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional Champagnes.
