Champagne Alfred Gratien

^^This is Marie.^^
She introduce me to Champagne Alfred Gratien at a blind bubbly tasting and I will be forever grateful. It’s delicious.

Marie is the badass female sommelier at Le Dokhan’s Champagne Bar —the first Champagne bar in Paris— where Gratien is one of hundreds of fabulous bottles of bubbly on the menu.

This past weekend, another badass woman, my husband’s cousin, Erin Corrigan, sent me the bottle of Gratien rosé pictured to the right. Erin is the only woman in my life brave enough to send me wine regularly. She picks something that catches her eye or intrigues her, often something she’s never tried, but has a good feeling about, and dispatches it my way. She is always right.

So, what’s so special about Gratien?

Champagne Alfred Gratien has been a family affair in Épernay since 1864. Their cellar masters have been handing down their time-honored traditions for generations, and as crazy as it sounds, you can taste it in the wine. Gratien is sleek and elegant, like a classy, older French woman with a silk scarf draped around her neck.

The Brut Rosé is 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Pinot Noir. It has layers of fruits & flowers like clementines and rose petals, thanks to the Pinot Meunier. It’s full and creamy, and reminds me of melba toast, thanks to the Chardonnay. It looks like a sunset, tastes as smooth as that silk scarf, and has fine but vibrant bubbles.

This is an absolutely gorgeous apéritif (pre-dinner drink), was really lovely with Indian food, and would be a great purchase when you’re in need of something special or just want to feel a little French.

(It’s also more than 20% off on wine.com right now!)

To all the ladies in the place with style and grace, like Marie and Erin….this is a Champagne for you.

Chin!