From: Vertus, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Taste: The wine presents a delicate pale salmon or light coral pink hue with fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, it offers notes of wild strawberries, raspberries, and red currants, complemented by hints of citrus zest, subtle floral undertones, and a touch of brioche for added complexity. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a harmonious balance of red berry fruit, crisp acidity, and a pronounced minerality. Its creamy mousse produces a finish that echoes the wine's fruit and mineral character.
Pairing: Champion Wine Cellar’s house favorite Champagne pairing will work here!! Try crispy kara-age chicken or Mochicko chicken, with its soy and ginger marinade and tender crunch. It pairs beautifully as the Champagne’s lively acidity and creamy mousse balance the dish’s richness while enhancing its umami notes. Fantastic with grilled scallops in an aji amarillo sauce (a Peruvian-style sauce), where the wine’s red berry flavors and minerality pair with the sauce’s bright, citrusy heat. Another of Champions’s favorites is this seafood option: soy-glazed black cod, where the wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the dish’s richness, and its subtle brioche undertones elevate the glaze’s savory-sweet profile.
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Recipe from Kunyan
Adapted by Hannah Kirshner, NYT Cooking
About: Champagne Veuve Fourny & Fils is located in the prestigious Côte des Blancs. Established in 1856 in the premier cru village of Vertus, this family-owned estate has cultivated a rich portfolio of elegant wines. The town of Vertus has a rich history dating back to Roman times. As a prominent center for viticulture in the Côte des Blancs, Vertus became an important locale for Champagne production.
Over five generations, the Fournys have carefully nurtured their vineyards, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this Chardonnay-dominant region. In 1993, brothers Charles-Henry and Emmanuel Fourny assumed leadership of the domaine. United by a shared passion and diverse experiences, the duo has refined their winemaking philosophy to champion low-dosage Champagnes that emphasize freshness, precision, and terroir-driven character.
