From: Champagne, France
Varietals: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier
Champagne Phillipe Fontaine is located in Balnot-sur-Laignes in the Côte des Bar in the Aube sub-region of Champagne. The Aube is an area completely separate from the rest of the Champagne, located almost 100 miles southeast of Epernay. Until somewhat recently, the Aube was better known for growing grapes that would be purchased by larger Champagne houses in the north. However, over the past twenty years or so. more grower-producers have emerged in the Aube.
The Fontaine family has been cultivating their land for centuries. The estate is now run by Philippe’s daughter, Salomé, and her husband Lous-Antoine. The Brut Tradition is Philippe Fontaine’s flagship bottling. A blanc de noirs, meaning it is made solely with dark-skinned grapes. It is a small production cuvée, estate-bottled, and sustainably farmed. It spends 24 months sur latte.
Tasting Notes: A full, fleshy, and structured champagne that starts with notes of ripe golden orchard fruits, bartlett pear, and citrus, lilting along with a silky textured palate, and gliding into a fresh, clean, and dry finish.
Pairing: This would pair beautifully with apéritifs, soft cheese, or lighter fare. I would personally enjoy it with a simple baguette topped with camembert and thinly sliced granny smith apples.
