Pinot Meunier, Champagne, France 

‘Ultradition’ to us sounds like the epitome of the perfect meeting place between traditional ways and conscious and caring advancements in awareness and practice, #JACKPOT. Aurelien Laherte took over his family’s century-old Domaine in 2005, progressing forward with a team of aunts, uncles and cousins who help work the certified organic vineyards, and carry out biodynamic practices. Aurelien Laherte is building a brighter future for progressive winemakers in Champagne, as he, along with his high school friend Raphael Bereche (another star in the region) founded the “Terres et Vins” collective, aka Champagne’s more progressive producers, back in 2009. Located in Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, a tiny sub-appellation wedged between the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. This cuvée is a blend of 30% macerated, juicily-umami pinot meunier, 60% white/immediately pressed pinot meunier & 10% still, red pinot meunier. Tingly and textural, racy acidity, with bejewelled nuances of fresh cranberry, expressed orange, rose petals, fleur de sel & wild mint. Enjoy with a grocery store sheet cake doused in sprinkles, dripping candles & stacks of icing.