Gaston Chiquet NV Champagne Brut ‘Tradition’ France 375ML (half bottle)

Well-balanced Champagne from a benchmark producer in Eperney, Gaston Chiquet hits right in the middle of your palate, not too heavy, not too light... right in the sweet-spot.

One of the gems of Champagne is the Gaston Chiquet family. For nearly eight generations, the Chiquet’s have quietly been producing quality-driven bubbly from their home in the Valle de la Marne. Their story begins in 1746, with their first harvest being sold off to prominent wineries across the region. This would continue until 1909, when estate bottling was still in its infancy. Joining a small cadre of visionaries who bottle grapes for themselves, the Chiquet’s expanded their reach, and before long, everyone followed. Today, the estate is run by Nicolas Chiquet, who prefers pure varietal expression to the effects of oak-aging. Leading their portfolio is the brut Tradition, one of the best entry-level Champagnes on the market today. With a healthy dollop of reserve wines blended in and Pinot Meinuer dominating the blend, the Tradition has a little weigh to lean on during this cool-ish winter. I opted for ½ bottles, as sometimes one need a little bubbly at the end of a long day without having to finish an entire bottle. 

WINEMAKER: Nicolas Chiquet

VARIETAL:   40% Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir

ASSEMBLAGE: 81% 2017, 17% 2016, 2% 2015

APPELLATION:  Vallée de la Marne, Champagne

REGION: Champagne, France

IN THE VINEYARD:  No information available

IN THE WINERY: Malo-lactic conversion, no oak aging (all stainless)

ABV%:  13