Champagne Edouard Duval is set in the heart of the Côte des Bar, in the quaint territory of Bligny in the Bar-sur-Aubois. Bordered by forestlands and carved through with rivers and streams, the sloping hillside vineyards are set atop clay-limestone subsoils that allow pinot noir to thrive, not unlike the nearby neighbor of Burgundy. This verdant countryside is not only picturesque, with its mosaic of vineyards, historic buildings, and waterways, but it’s also an ideal place for Champagne grapes to flourish. The domaine’s 28 hectares of vineyards experience southeast and southwest exposures, standing between 190 to 300-plus meters elevation, producing exceptionally smooth and generous grapes. The house has practiced sustainable agriculture methods for more than 20 years and uses grapes only from their own plots to develop their masterful cuvees.

Pulled from four parcels of old vines on the highest slopes of the estate, Duval’s Brut d'Eulalie is comprised of 77% pinot noir, with 23% chardonnay coming from a singular plot. “Eulalie” is a French girl’s name meaning “sweetly spoken” or “well-spoken,” and roughly a quarter of the cuvee gets fermented and aged in Burgundian demi-muids, providing a subtle warmth and touch of spice, with the other three-quarters-in stainless steel tanks, which gives the wine an added crispness and freshness.

Elegant, bright, effervescent, and vibrant – this Champagne makes an idyllic aperitif with its full body and pure texture. Notes of green apple, pear, white flowers, and brioche tiptoe delicately across the nose, leaving a graceful impression that prepares you for the additional fruit characters of peach, white cherry, Ruby Red grapefruit, crushed raspberries, and pomelo zest that come in next on the tongue. Following shortly after is a nutty almond paste experience, plus a wet stone minerality that keeps things beguiling and fresh while adding in layers of complexity and excitement. This is a harmonious and generous Champagne, without a doubt, that drinks high above its under $40 price tag. Its creamy yet multifaceted mouthfeel will leave you reaching for the next glass in no time, so be sure you order accordingly!