Champagne Briaux Lenique Cuvée Perle de Craie Extra Brut 2018

Tucked into the rolling clay-limestone slopes of Mardeuil, just beyond the bustle of Épernay, Champagne Briaux Lenique is a quietly compelling family story shaped by patience, place, and passion. What began in 1965 as a modest grower’s dream has evolved into a house where each vine is still personally tended, and each cuvée reflects the Marne Valley’s gentle balance of powerful fruit and poised finesse. Today, under the stewardship of the Briaux Lenique sisters, the domaine blends inherited know-how with a deep respect for nature, crafting Champagnes that feel intimate, expressive, and unquestionably rooted in their terroir.

Their Cuvée Perle de Craie 2018 is a vivid expression of the Marne Valley terroir, built on a graceful blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier that gives it both elegance and structure. It feels like a dance between freshness and humble depth, and behind that ease is thoughtful, hands-on winemaking. Perle de Craie (“Chalk Pearl”) ultimately captures what Briaux Lenique does best: Champagne that feels authentic, unforced, and ever so deeply expressive of where it comes from.

Opening with a decadent lift of almond butter, quince blossom, and lardo-wrapped honeydew melon before easing into a mineral-laced slate edge, the bubbles are fine and energetic, carrying flavors of umeboshi plum and Meyer lemon peel that give the wine both brightness and shape. It’s lively without being sharp, generous without being heavy, and an overall delight to embark on. This is tried-and-true Grower Champagne, for a considerable steal of a price of under $70, that we will happily sip on into the spring and beyond!