Champagne Copin-Cautel Coup de Crayon Extra Brut Blanc de Noir NV

Champagne Copin-Cautel is a roughly seven-hectare family estate rooted in the village of Vandières, in Champagne's Vallée de la Marne. Husband-and-wife team Séverine Cautel and Philippe Copin run the day-to-day, favoring low-intervention winemaking that lets their terroir speak. Their wines are known for depth, fruit, and structure, and the couple farms sustainably to protect biodiversity and soil health. Simply put, you can taste the purity in every bottle – and we've been floored by just about everything we've tried from their portfolio.

The history behind the estate is a love story. Séverine's grandparents ran a vine nursery and sold vines to Philippe's family, but that's not how the two met – they crossed paths in school, fell in love, and have tended Philippe's family vineyards together ever since. He handles the field and cellar; she runs marketing and administration. Together they craft small-batch, immeasurably delicious Champagnes – shaped by their beautiful terroir and a subtle touch of wood – meant to bring family and friends together for good times and sweet memories. After savoring my glass (and pouring a few splashes extra, purely for "authentic tasting notes"), I can report that hope is alive and well, dear friends.

The Coup de Crayon Extra Brut is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, aged six months in oak barrels, with a judicious Extra Brut dosage to let the fruit's purity shine. A dazzling nose of buttery shortbread, golden apples, and dried apricots sets the stage. Then a foamy, creamy mousse ushers in racy, vibrant notes of lemon rind, white peach, and grapefruit, all underscored by chalky minerality and generous acidity. It's lush and long, with a creaminess that seems to melt as it spreads across the palate.

This is a genuinely impressive, small-production Champagne from a heartfelt team in one of the loveliest pockets of the Vallée de la Marne – and for only $49, you'll be elated the moment it's yours. Grab three bottles, and shipping is on us!