Fred Savart has long been a favorite grower-producer of sommeliers and knowledgeable wine folks (aka…the geekiest of wine geeks). Between his exemplary wines and captivating personality, one can’t help but be drawn back to his portfolio and tempted to try another of his releases, as they consistently tend to be utter, undoubtable knockouts.

Following the path of his winemaking grandfather and father before him, Frédéric oversees his vineyards in Ecueil, along with a smaller section in Villers-aux-Nœuds, located on the southern edge of Reims. He grows mainly pinot noir with a small selection of chardonnay and opts for low-intervention cellar processes, mindful farming practices, and an intuitive winemaking approach that can only be credited to his zest for the craft and lifelong devotion to learning about the art, science, and history of wine.

This wine was made in collaboration with Champagne Dremont, a longtime friend of Fred’s, and another respected house, who together sought out prime sites from top producers, buying the fruit and finalizing the elevage themselves. Made of 86% chardonnay – a portion of which came from Premier Cru parcels – and 14% pinot noir from 2015 and 2016 vintages, this bottling is incredibly unique and rare, produced for a one-time release only. It opens in the glass with a ripe and floral nose of lilies, summer strawberries, Orange Bang!, and bruleed grapefruit – a sincere whirlwinding delight that leads you in unexpected directions. The wine is salty and mineral at first, with a sweet and sour sensation that builds pleasurably towards the finish. This is a layered and complex rosé that is a natural fit with food, and we’d gladly sip it alongside a great many meals, from a savory brunch to dinner of most any cuisine, from Latin to Thai, or steak and frites to gumbo and cornbread. In other words, it’s a winning match for just about any occasion and meal you have coming up…and for 53% off retail price, an easy choice to make!