Laherte Freres Ultradition Brut

It's the Petit Meunier drives it: deep and fleshy, with dried pear, chamomile, and spice, generous and inviting. The grapes are harvested from Chavot, Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, with parcels across seven villages in the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marn. Forty percent reserve wine, fermented across foudres, tank, and barrel with regular lees stirring. The dosage 4.5 g/L.

Founded in Chavot in 1889 and run since 2005 by seventh-generation Aurélien Laherte, who farms seven hectares biodynamically and the rest organically or sustainably. Ultradition is the house's calling card — the wine that has to convince you, so it's priced and made accordingly.

Food Pairing: Aperitif, roast chicken, or anything fried.