Remy Massin traces its roots on the sunny hillsides of Ville sur Arce five generations back to 1865. Today, this exceptional producer consistently crafts some of our favorite cuvées to be found in any corner of the sparkling wine world. Closely matching the Kimmeridgian soils of nearby Chablis, their vineyards are predominantly planted to pinot noir, with about 20% dedicated to chardonnay and a scant 5% set aside for one of  the “forgotten” Champagne grapes, pinot blanc. They make a fair number of cuvées, including a few Special Club collections that have, in the past, delighted you all with a quality and value that seriously overdelivers.

We’ve offered this last summer, and you folks were just as into it as we are...so, we figured you might be due for a restock (or another chance to take it for a spin if you missed the first go-round). The simply stunning 2017 cuvée – forged from a 60/40 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir on the Massin estate – experiences a full 5 years aging on the lees, followed by an Extra Brut level dosage of just 5.5 g/liter. It effortlessly balances the developed, nuanced character of time in bottle, with the vibrant and bright character of the classic Aube terroir and winery’s preference for low dosage amounts.

Rich and complex wines, with great freshness and purity is one of the hallmarks of the Rémy Massin estate – and this delectable 2017 carries all of that and more. Pale golden in the glass, the wine whispers delicate aromas of white flowers, and the pristine sensations of an alpine meadow, finishing on notes of Granny Smith apples and Meyer lemon zest. The wine is decidedly fuller and fleshier on the palate, with white cherries, yellow plums, lemon verbena, pineapple sage, crème fraîche, and a smoky, mineral-driven, Chablis-reminiscent finish. We must say, this is one of the most complex under-$60 Champagnes we’ve featured, and an absolute must-have for every bubbly lover! These are artisanally small productions, but for round two, we snagged all we could. Don’t let these pass you by!