Philippe and Nathalie Clerget have been producing their own wines here in Les Riceys since only about 2008. For three generations prior, the family business focused solely on growing the grapes in the family’s 8 plots, and then selling fruit to other growers and the local co-op. The temptation to craft their own wine finally won out – and you, me, and every soul in the bubble-loving world should give praise for that!

This exceptionally valued Cuvée Reserve is composed of some 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay – all grown with sustainable practices. The grapes undergo fermentation entirely in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation to build the wine’s creamy and silky layers. From there, a full 20 months on the lees allows for the integration of flavors, with the final dosage of a Brut level of 8 grams per liter at the very end. It’s nothing less than classically styled Les Riceys’ goodness – and one that I’ll happily fold into the rotation of delectable house bubbles! 

The yellow gold wine bursts into the glass, with a fine, zesty mousse that tickles the nose with upfront aromas of raspberries and red cherries, honeyed dates, and a medley of white flowers such as chamomile and honeysuckle. The sip lives up to the aroma’s lofty promise, with bright and fruity sensations taking the lead. Red apples, more cherries, and red berries fill out this amiable core, coated with accents of roasted almonds, lemon verbena, and chalky, crumbled river rocks. The finish is clean, pure, and absolutely mouth-quenching – so beware of how quickly your glass will empty! Luckily, at our amazing price you can always pop another… and another…and on it goes – at least through the fall and perhaps into the winter and beyond if you act fast and score all that you can!