Edouard Brun ran a cooperage in France in the late 1800s, using the profits from his enterprise to purchase land throughout Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. He began his eponymous house in Aÿ at the end of the 19th century, taking on a partner that would eventually succeed him. That partner was Edmond Lefevre. Today, it is Edmond's relatives, the Delescots, that drive the house forward with 10 hectares across the northeastern edge of the Montagne de Reims – with Premier Cru and Grand Cru holdings in Aÿ, Mareuil sur Aÿ, Avenay-Val-d'Or, Hautvillers, Chigny-Les-Roses, and Ludes.

The family cellar dates back to the 15th century, serving as the vault of the Delescot family’s winemaking traditions… and a few of their secrets. This Cuvée Speciale is their most popular bottling – a blend of 60% pinot meunier, 20% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay selected from across their various holdings, with both pinots fermented and aged in oak barrels. The chardonnay is reared in small stainless steel tanks, and then all the components are blended together to age on the lees for a full two years. The dosage is near the Brut limit, at a generous 10 grams per liter – adding to the voluptuous and full nature of this ample wine.

The aromas and initial flavors focus on ripe red cherries, buttery brioche, toasted hazelnuts, and warm apple tarts, with secondary accents of lemon custard, green apples, and Fuyu persimmon. The wine is almost decadently rich and lavish upfront, but the finish is nevertheless precisely focused and linear – with a pure, chalky acidity that carries the finish. Overall, the wine is quite vinous in style, as is often the case with pinot meunier dominated blends, but the result is charming and pleasant, never overbearing. For the price, this is an exceptionally complex and layered wine and we are looking forward to exploring more from this producer! Just ten cases to be had, and this is one you won’t want to miss!