In the Premier Cru village of Ludes, on the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, and just a few hundred yards to the east of Chigny-Les-Roses, you’ll find the Maison Doré. The story starts in 1928, when the Doré family began farming and making small amounts of wine from their 4 hectare vineyard. But in 2014, when Gérard Doré couldn’t sustain that life any longer, he asked his friend and neighbor, Jean-Guy Monmarthe – a sixth generation winemaker in his own right – to take over the reins and keep the family’s Champagne house running. The rest is history! 

In the northernmost portion of the Marne – where pinot reigns supreme – this 100% pinot noir cuvee absolutely sings, grown upon the plush clay-limestone soils over top a marl base, giving the wine a proper level of intensity, finesse, and freshness. Coming from the maison’s Les Dessous de Mont (“below the mountain”) vineyard in Marne, the juice experiences a generous 36 months aging on the lees, plus a dosage of 5 grams per liter to integrate the layers of flavor and preserve the freshness of fruit.

The aromas are fine, tiptoeing gracefully with marzipan, apricot, nougat, and whiffs of lemon zest that are amplified by notes of baked apple. Small red fruit sensations of wild strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, and then mandarin orange, pink peppercorn, and spurts of honeyed dates and preserved lemon dance through the palate. Ultimately, an ever so rich and expressive Champagne, with plenty of power and heft amplified by a prominent wave of acidity. Beware… this is almost too easy to drink! For under $50, this is a limited and wholly unique Grower Champagne you absolutely need on your radar… and in your glass!