Chanoine Frères

I tried a classic Champagne this week: Chanoine Frères Brut Reserve Privée. Founded in 1730, in Épernay, Chanoine Frères is the second oldest Champagne house. Ruinart beat them by a year, opening in 1729. Chanoine Champagnes are mostly made with Pinot Noir grapes. This one is 55% Pinot Noir, 31% Pinot Meunier, 14% Chardonnay.

This wine has gorgeous big bubbles on the pour and a nice frothy mousse. It’s a light golden color—with a hint of onion skin. (Isn’t that a cool way to describe the color of wine? It creates such a perfect orangey-pink visual.) The aromas are crisp with an almost soapy, fresh nose. I picked up a hint of apple, along with faint brioche and toast, and some florals.

On the first sip, I kept going back and forth between apple and pear flavors. The hubby picked up dried apricots and peach. Chanoine shouts out baked pear and I like that vibe. They also recommend drinking this with ham or an almond tart, which has me thinking this could be a beautiful Easter Sunday bubbly—perfect with eggs benedict at brunch or a ham and some pie for dinner.

This Champagne has bright vivid bubbles and zippy acidity, with a soft finish. I don’t know if I haven’t had Champagne in too long or I’m just having a clean and crisp moment— I usually prefer more Chardonnay in my Champagne—but this is beautiful and steely in all the right ways.

I would love this with some brie or camembert and fried chicken CLEARLY.

You can find it online at Total Wine for $40.99, but they always have coupons. I got it for $36.99.

Chin!