Nothing saves a full bottle of wine quite like half bottles. We've selected some big time Champagne for this trio of small bottles. This is ideal for those who want to taste multiple champagnes this holiday season without making that full bottle commitment.
Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet, 'L'Origine' Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV [375ML]
Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet was founded in 1986 by Philippe Gimonnet and Anne Gonet, who both come from long lines of winemaking families in the Champagne region. After marrying and seeing their older siblings inherit their respective family estates, they combined their names and deep-rooted passion to create their own house. The small, family-run estate has expanded over the decades, now encompassing 13.5 hectares of vines. The 40+ year old Chardonnay vines for the 'L'Origine' are sourced from the family's vineyards in the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, including Oiry, Chouilly, Oger, Cramant, and Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger. This is a classic expression of Blanc de Blancs with further complexity introduced by the 30-45% reserve wine used in the final blend.
Champagne R. Pouillon et fils, 'Grand Vallee' Extra Brut NV [375ML]
One of the most memorable lineup tastings we've had this year was when we sampled the entire range of offerings from Pouillon. Truth be told, we could've selected any of them as they were all compelling, but this 'Grand Valle' bottling served as the perfect introduction to not only the house style, but to the terroirs of the Vallée de la Marne. This is an all estate fruit blend of roughly 65% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier, and 15% chardonnay. Aged in a mix of enamel tanks and neutral barrique, it displays a complex, earthy nose with sophisticated notes of savory wet stones and a hint of rhubarb. On the palate, it delivers powerful, structured flavors of peach and bitter pear skin that somehow manage to feel as light as a feather, over a showstopping, angular texture.
Champagne José Michel, 'Prémices' Brut NV [375ML]
A "Maison de Tradition" since 1847, the family-run Champagne José Michel & Fils is located in the village of Moussy, just south of Épernay. José Michel's grandson, Antonin, now leads the artisanal operation, carrying forward a legacy celebrated for its expressive, fruit-forward, and Meunier-dominant wines such as this 'Premices' - 70% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay. Aromas of freshly baked brioche, crisp green apple, and ripe pear are accented by a delicate floral undertone. The palate is precise and structured, featuring bright citrus flavors of ripe lemon and mandarin, layered with hints of poached yellow apple and a distinct ginger note on the finish.