Regis is currently farmed sustainably and biodynamically, a move that began in 2011, and the payoff has been palpable. The vines have an average age of 33 years but are still vigorous as if they’re babies. And the vines are spread among more than 35 different parcels across the villages of the Marne.

Historically, the Marne Valley has been picked over by the Champagne mega-houses as a top source of “backbone” for their multitude of cuvées. Régis, however, has proudly tasked himself with the project of showcasing the region’s fruits and terroirs, as a native to these vines who grew up tending to them. His focused studies armed him with the knowledge and wherewithal to one day take over his family’s land, and like many growers, his focus here is to showcase the distinctness of the terroir and the region’s favorite son, pinot meunier. 

The Marne’s typical limestone clay soils are responsible for the power and depth of this revered site – and an ideal environment for pinot meunier. The 2017 vintage was harvested by hand, and followed with traditional vinification, using only natural yeasts and with a resting period of over 6 years on lees before disgorgement. The final dosage of a sparse 1.75 g/L keeps this rich and voluptuous extra brut dry and penetrating – but the end result is anything but lean.

Perfumed aromas of jasmine, wisteria, and plum blossoms, followed by a deeply entrancing entry of salted white plums, and a fresh fino sherry greet you effusively upon opening the bottle. Minerals abound on the palate, with lively river stones, chalk, and warming notes of camphor and toasted hazelnuts. The depth is matched only by this wine’s power, and this rare beauty is among the most unique Champagnes I’ve ever tasted. Is that samphire? Melted chocolate and passion fruit? Turkish coffee with a dusting of fresh, green cardamom? Seriously fun, incredibly captivating stuff, no question. It’s an achievement, and a rare, top cuvée worthy of any Champagne aficionado. You want and need this in your collection. You will not regret it.