Louis Chalvon Champagne

I’m a huge fan of this Louis Chalvon Brut Grand Reserve NV. I got it for under $30 on Last Bubbles, which is a STEAL for Champagne, especially one this good. This bubbly drinks like it cost 3x the price. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

Chardonnay grapes steal the show here. They make up 65% of this Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier blend and they bring elegance and richness to an otherwise crisp sparkler. These bubbles spent two years on the lees and you can absolutely taste the gorgeous brioche and yeast that some time on the lees (dead yeast cells) can bring. Layer that flavor over some lemon creaminess, and this Champagne is just so elegant! I also love the color—it has a faint onion skin hue— that’s just beautiful in the glass.

I brought this to a friend’s dinner party last weekend, and it was great on its own to start the night. It also paired beautifully with this outrageous Food & Wine recipe that our host tried out that night: Seared Scallops with Basil, Anchovy and Sweet Corn Pudding.

Who says Champagne isn’t a food wine?

Chin!