Most Americans limit their sparkling wine consumption to holidays and celebrations. But doing so means missing out on a world of good wine, particularly for food pairing. And, if you know where to look, increasing your diet of bubbles doesn’t even require Champagne-level investment.
Our favorite source for affordable fizz is the Maison Louis Picamelot in Rully. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley writes that Picamelot “produces some of the best sparkling wines in Burgundy,” and “makes a persuasive case for taking the genre more seriously.”
Today’s suggestion: the Crémant de Bourgogne “Chazot,” a terrific value at under $30.
Philippe Chautard, the grandson of the founder, has taken the enterprise to a new level, transforming an old quarry on the edge of the town to a large underground cellar. With the additional space Chautard is able to give his wines the time in the bottle he feels they need to develop their full complexity.
Chazot is a blanc de noirs — 100% pinot noir, but with no time on the skins, so is a clear blanc de noirs. It rests for over 3 years on the lees, which would qualify it as vintage Champagne if grown there. In the mouth it’s chewy and full, with excellent complexity and texture. It comes from a single plot near Saint-Aubin — look for an expert blend of earth and fruit, with notes of baking spice and fresh citrus.
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Picamelot Crémant Chazot NV
bottle price: $29
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES