Set 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 Champagne Monmarthe estate. The family MONMARTHE has been living in Ludes since 1737 and has been owning agricultural lands and vineyards throughout the family’s recorded history. The Champagne house was founded in 1930 by Ernest Monmarthe, and the family have farmed this plot in Ludes ever since, fine-tuning their production and quality over the past six generations. In 1990, Jean-Guy gradually took the reins from his father, Guy, and manages it alongside his wife, Sandrine. Now in the seventh generation, their son, Gauthier, has joined the team to oversee winemaking – and with wines such as this… the future seems secured!

This cuvee is named “Les Grimpants” or “the climbers” – a single plot of 100% pinot noir – and a miniscule production size of some 440 cases total. After harvest and pressing, the wine is vinified in French oak barrels and allowed to mature for 6 months – without any malolactic fermentation. From there, the wine is aged on the lees for over 36 months, before a final dosage of 4 g/liter. The resulting wine is decidedly more mineral than fruity, with a serious and vinous style that perfectly accompanies an array of foods. The chipped flint and iron ore sensations are enhanced with bright and boisterous stone fruit notes such as white cherry, peach, and pluot, with an incredible freshness and saline quality that awakens the senses impressively. A lingering note of toasted hazelnuts gives a penetrating depth to the overall flavor profile, ensuring this wine doesn’t leave you wanting in any measure. 97 pt. Grower Champagnes are rare enough – but to find one for Under $50? That, my friends, is a score!

A great find that we’re thrilled to share… but only as much as they would sell us, and nowhere near as much as we would have liked, so grab yours now!