INSIDER'S PICK: NV CHAMPAGNE LE MESNIL BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT GRAND CRU $44.99

​For the last Insider's Pick of our 22nd Anniversary celebration, we figured we should go out with a bang. Or a 'Pop!' Or, for the sommeliers out there, a bare audible 'pffft!' if you're opening it right. While sparkling wines are made across the world and are capable of great success, Champagne is the undisputed ruling class of the style and the ultimate celebratory drink. This isn't just about image (although the marketing of certain brands has definitely played a big part), as the Champagne region is one of the most extreme growing regions in the world. It is at the northenmost edge of where grapes can ripen consistently, and the soils carry much of the same chalky Kimmeridgian soil found in Sancerre, which gives the juice intense natural acidity. This acidity allows the wines to age better than any other sparkling wines in the world, especially the vintage bottlings which can last for many decades when properly stored. This Non-Vintage bottling is blended from several vintages for consistency batch to batch, and is built for immediate gratification. Today, if you wish.
This Blanc de Blancs comes from the highly regarded township of Le Mesnil in the Cote des Blancs, a series of vineyards known for their exceptional Chardonnay. Deep, intensive bready and white fruit aromas pour out as soon as the bubbles start to subside, adding a touch of almonds as it opens up (and yes it is OK to let your Champagne breathe a little bit!). The fine mousse lingers on the palate to provide a bit of extra livliness behind the creamy, yeasty texture and complex tart citrus fruits that go on for what seems like minutes on the finish. It's hard to find true deals for quality Champagne in an era where some of the most overcropped and over-produced wines in France still go for north of $50, but this definitely delivers strength and quality that will help make any celebration, or any occasion you choose to drink it, that much more memorable.

---