R. Renaudin 'L'Espiègle' Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France 2013

R. Renaudin is a historic, family-run Champagne house located in Pierry, a Premier Cru village just south of Épernay. Known for crafting long-aged wines that emphasize structure and freshness over flash, the estate quietly produces some of the region’s most cellar-worthy Blanc de Blancs. ‘L’Espiègle’ is made exclusively from Chardonnay grown in the chalk and clay-limestone soils of Pierry, and is vinified with restraint and age in mind.

• WINEMAKER: Bertrand Renaudin

• FARMING: Sustainable practices; estate-grown fruit

• VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay

• TERROIR: Premier Cru village of Pierry, characterized by chalky soils with clay-limestone sublayers that enhance both mineral tension and depth

• VINIFICATION: Vinified in 3- to 7-year-old oak barrels for 8 months with light bâtonnage; no malolactic fermentation to retain freshness and structure

• AGING: Aged 5 to 8 years on the lees at a constant 12 °C in underground cellars; dosage at 6 g/L (Brut)

• TASTING NOTES: A finely tuned Champagne with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, brioche, and white flowers. The palate is crisp and linear, with chalky minerality, creamy mousse, and a persistent finish that reflects its extended aging.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Oysters, Comté, tempura vegetables, or lobster in beurre blanc