The Orban story truly begins back in 1929, when Léopold Orban stopped selling his grapes to larger houses in Épernay and started producing Champagnes of his own. This made him one of the very first grower-producers in his village – and began a family-run house that continues turning heads today. Now, four generations later, Francis Orban has taken over the family business with 18 acres of vineyards in the Marne, on the sandy, clay-rich soils around the villages of Leuvrigny and Sainte-Gemme.

This Millésime 2018 vintage cuvee clocks in at 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier from 30-40 year old plantings in their estate vineyards. As you likely very well know, 2018 was an absolutely exceptional year across the board in Champagne – where a rainy spring led into a sunshine-filled but temperate summer, producing a wonderfully bountiful harvest of rich, expressive, plump grapes that ripened slowly. Chardonnay and Meunier specifically grew fantastically in the Marne, producing wines with crunchy fruit expressions and exceeding generosity. 

The wine is fermented on native yeasts in temp-controlled stainless steel tanks, before aging for five years on the lees and finishing with a light three g/liter dosage that could technically be classified as Extra Brut, though they chose to designate it a Brut. This is a seductively rich and ripe Champagne, with aromas that start with candied lemon peel, baked pear, pistachios, and warm brioche, leading into flavors of quince jam, clementines, peach marmalade, crushed raspberries, rose petals, cream pastry, and a whisper of peppermint. Refined and elegant, this offering is decidedly weightier than many Bruts, and a perfect accompaniment to charcuterie boards, pâtés, and the like. This is top-quality, wildly scrumptious, vinous Champagne – and a perfect addition to any Champagne collection!