The Nicaise family has been crafting Champagne for four generations and produces just 6,000 cases per year (Moët & Veuve Clicquot make millions). The Brut Reserve represents about half of the total production, and it’s made entirely from grapes grown in the family’s Premier Cru vineyards.

The Champagne house of Louis Nicaise is located in Hautvillers. That’s the village made famous by Dom Perignon, for generations the man presumed to have “invented” Champagne — that is, a wine with bubbles in the bottle. Whether Perignon, himself, was responsible for “creating” Champagne is now a matter of strong debate, but there’s no question that Hautvillers has become a hub of sparkling winemaking.

This release is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and  Pinot Meunier. Floral, fruitful and refreshing, it pairs perfectly with seafood, spicy fare or fruit-based desserts.