Chigny-les-Roses is snuggled between the two major cities of Champagne – Reims and Epernay – but don’t let this charming little village fool you. Nestled in the midst of the vineyards, up against a cliff shelf topped with verdant woodlands, this town may be small, but it happens to make some sincerely epic Champagne. A number of well-known producers have chosen this quaint village as their base, including Jay Z’s Armand de Brignac (aka Ace of Spades) and the revered Lasalle family.

This beauty is a blend of 45% pinot noir, 45% pinot meunier, and 10% chardonnay – and it sure packs a punch! The cuvée is fermented in stainless steel, with no malolactic secondary fermentation before aging on the lees (in bottle) for a minimum of three years prior to disgorgement. A dosage of 8 grams/liter is made with the reserve wine and a natural beet sugar, and perfectly balances the bright, flinty acidity with the rich, toasty notes.

Experience a rush of creamy summer fruits on the nose – white peaches, pear, and some bruleed grapefruit – with undertones of something chalky and almost wheat-like. The ripe fruit sensations evolve on the palate, bringing in accents of toasted almond, ginseng, and fresh-from-the-oven brioche, accentuated by a fine acidity and a smooth finish beckoning you for more. Stock up while you can on these lovely ones – you just never know when you’ll have a Champagne emergency!