Loriot-Pagel Brut Nature Champagne NV

First founded by Jules Leopold Loriot in 1838, the sixth generation family members are now at the helm of this exceptional Champagne grower producer. Covering nine hectares of vineyards stretching across seven regions (Festigny, Mareuil-le-Port, Nesles-le-Repons, Le Breuil, Avize, Cramant and Oger), Loriot~Pagel focuses predominantly on Meunier, but they also farm Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The average age of their vines today are 36 years old. Grapes are harvested by hand and only the finest bunches are selected and then meticulously sorted before being pressed with great care. Their wines are mostly matured in small, stainless steel vats making it possible to vinify vintages and terroirs individually, respecting the wine’s evolution. This Brut Nature bottling is Meunier-based, and what we appreciate most is that it's a cuvée blended without dosage. Their reserve wines make up an important portion of the blend composed of 95% Meunier, 2.5% Pinot Noir and 2.55% Chardonnay, then aged for two years in stainless steel tanks, followed by four years of aging in the bottle. The absence of dosage brings a natural element to the wine, showcasing a bright linear quality while also bringing forth a generous complexity thanks to its robustly aromatic qualities. Elegant and pure, the wine gives off gorgeous aromas of apricot, peach, hints of brioche and freshly baked biscuits. Best enjoyed at the beginning of the meal with more mature cheeses and warm baguette, but it would also pair well with french fries, fried chicken, popcorn, or black truffle toast. Other food pairings include seafood ceviches, pickled octopus, tuna tartare with avocado and sesame, or sushi.