Varnier-Fanniere
Cuvée St. Denis Grand Cru Brut Champagne Chardonnay
Avize, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
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, 2018Post thanksgiving bliss in a glass
Post thanksgiving bliss in a glass
Nov 25th, 2017Super 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
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
Slightly reductive with good moose and rich finish.
Slightly reductive with good moose and rich finish.
Apr 9th, 2016
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
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