Etienne Calsac, Les Rocheforts Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru, Champagne

This champagne masterfully balances complexity with approachability, making it perfect for both champagne enthusiasts and those just beginning their sparkling journey. Limited production and being highly sought after make Etienne's champagnes hard to get a hold of.

Etienne Calsac’s vineyards are based in the Grand Cru Avize, with the grapes for this bottle coming from a 1er cru single vineyard in Bisseuil, renowned for its pure chalk soils. These soils impart a distinctive minerality that is highly prized in Blanc de Blancs champagnes. In the glass, the bubbles reveal enticing aromas of green apples, citrus, white flowers, fresh cream, and warm brioche, all of which come through on the palate.

Perfect on its own as an elegant aperitif, but it also pairs beautifully throughout a long meal. Try it with sushi rolls, creamy risotto, grilled fish or chicken, a simple salad, and of course, fried food. Pop the cork and toast a champion while watching the show "Simone Biles: Rising."

In 2010, at just 26 years old, Etienne took over 3 hectares (7 acres) of land that his grandparents had been renting to large champagne houses. With a goal to create champagnes that convey their location, he transitioned to organic farming, refusing to use chemicals on the land. Known for working with individual parcels rather than blending, Etienne’s grower champagnes have become highly sought-after. His production levels are small and demand for his bottles is high, so his champagnes are not the easiest to get a hold of.