These bubbles are named for Philippe de Valois, a former King of France, and it is as refined and gloriously palatable as you’d expect of a wine that touts association with its royal pedigree. BUT…even though it’s stunning, this is definitely a wine for the people, not just the crowned set. This Crémant de Loire represents the king’s fierce advocacy of the Loire Valley, which was his home and his pride and joy, and that fervor comes through in this supple, fresh, and bright bubbly that sparkles like the star it is. 

This cuvee is a blend of 70% chenin blanc, 20% chardonnay, and 10% cabernet franc from the sparkling appellation of Crémant de Loire. The appellation spans a wide swath that starts along the Loire River, and then into the Anjou and Touraine regions. The vineyards here are known for their tuffeau chalk, sand, and flinty clay soils, which lend a superb, zippy minerality and acidity to the wines that make them taste oh-so-bright and fresh. As this is a cremant, traditional method production is de rigueur here, along with manual harvests, careful grape selection, and aging for 12 months on the lees in their cellars. The dosage, at 12 grams per liter, is at the maximum end of Brut level, which further enhances the vivacity and explosive fruit and floral notes that make this wine sing like Maria Callas.

King Philippe de Valois was also known as “the Fortunate,” and he reigned from 1328 until his death in 1350. He held several plots of land and vineyards in his home region, and still remains one of the country’s most revered monarchs. His efforts to preserve and protect the terroirs throughout France’s many radiant wine regions are well documented and truly admired.

For an unfathomable $18, you’re getting aromas of jasmine, and wisteria, with juicy summer peaches, a hint of lemon rind, some raspberry, and toasted and buttered brioche buns. In a word, complexity. Golden apples and crunchy pears coat the mouth soon after, with waves of toasted nuts, croissants fresh from the ovens, and zesty key limes squeezed overall. There is a mineral finish that is undoubtedly due to the chalky terroir that is so revered in the appellation, which cleans the palate and carries you to the next sip. It’s absolutely divine, and we see why it’s a wine that’s representative of one of France’s most valiant kings. We fervently urge you to lock down a case of this for all your house bubbly requirements – or at least a 6-pack, to snag complimentary shipping. It’s what the royals would do!