Chardonnay, Champagne, France

Emmanuel Lassaigne is making some of the most exciting Champagne out of the “secret garden” that is Montgueux, where Emmanuel’s father Jacques replanted some of the village’s abandoned vineyards in the 1950s. Fun Fact: Emmanuel also farms Clos Saint-Sophie where, in 1876, Emperor Meiji of Japan sent two people to study viticulture, later importing 100 vines that were planted on Mount Fuji, the very first plantings of vitis vinifera in Japan. A blend of 2012 and 2013 vintages from old vines in , this robust & ripe sparkler is nutty like almond frangipane and rich like pastry cream, but is framed by so much more – bruised apple, preserved lemon, grapefruit oil, toasted hazelnuts, chalky minerality, a touch of oxidation, a fine, creamy mousse & a laser beam of precise, searing acid. Perfectly calibrated for maximum pleasure, this wine embraces the leaner, fresher side of Champagne while delivering on the savoury, luscious notes we’ve come to know & love. Fetch the Zaltos & give this a moment to luxuriate in your presence.