Varnier-Fanniere

Cuvée St. Denis Grand Cru Brut Champagne Chardonnay

9.144 ratings
9.215 pro ratings
Avize, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Matt

Denis Varnier is one of my favorite producers in the Cote de Blancs/Avize. His passing was tragic but the magic of his work lives on in these bottles and Thanksgiving seemed like an appropriate time to enjoy one. Classic Avize power but this cuvée always has a real mineral cut to it. This was gorgeous with air, balance of pure orchard fruits, rocks, and earthy elements like mushroom and fresh cut hay. Another facet I love in these wines is the texture, there’s room for interpretation, but you cannot get around the lengthy imprint these leave on your palate. 100 CH from “Clos du Grand Père,” 5 years sur lie, 9/2014 disgorgement

Denis Varnier is one of my favorite producers in the Cote de Blancs/Avize. His passing was tragic but the magic of his work lives on in these bottles and Thanksgiving seemed like an appropriate time to enjoy one. Classic Avize power but this cuvée always has a real mineral cut to it. This was gorgeous with air, balance of pure orchard fruits, rocks, and earthy elements like mushroom and fresh cut hay. Another facet I love in these wines is the texture, there’s room for interpretation, but you cannot get around the lengthy imprint these leave on your palate. 100 CH from “Clos du Grand Père,” 5 years sur lie, 9/2014 disgorgement

Nov 23rd, 2018
Antonio Gianola

Post thanksgiving bliss in a glass

Post thanksgiving bliss in a glass

Nov 25th, 2017
Matt

Super racy, bright, and high toned. Bracing texture and minerality that carries through the plate. Tense and energetic.

Super racy, bright, and high toned. Bracing texture and minerality that carries through the plate. Tense and energetic.

Dec 8th, 2016
Lance E. Farman

The slight reduction adds depth to this beauty. Ultra balanced overall.

The slight reduction adds depth to this beauty. Ultra balanced overall.

May 9th, 2016
Joseph Ngo

Slightly reductive with good moose and rich finish.

Slightly reductive with good moose and rich finish.

Apr 9th, 2016
Greg Koslosky

Stunning bottle and value!

Stunning bottle and value!

Oct 15th, 2015
Melissa M. Sutherland

Importer Winebow Wines

9.1

Begins as a whisper then pinballs into stunning precision, beaming with brightness. Dialed-up density without the fuss of weight.

Begins as a whisper then pinballs into stunning precision, beaming with brightness. Dialed-up density without the fuss of weight.

Dec 29th, 2014
Alejandro Medina

2nd dosage was the sexiest

2nd dosage was the sexiest

Aug 18th, 2017
David Koenen

Beautiful! Hazelnut, brioche, minerals, and so much more. Celebrating a fantastic moment!

Beautiful! Hazelnut, brioche, minerals, and so much more. Celebrating a fantastic moment!

Apr 26th, 2020
Stephen Lee

Good nutty note

Good nutty note

Mar 16th, 2016