Wine of the Week 9-24-12

PANNIER Brut Tradition, Champagne, NV

A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier (with 25% coming from older reserve wines) all from a high quality co-op that buys no sur lattes (meaning they make all their own wines). Pale straw in color, bright and clear and fully sparkling; dry, medium-bodied with refreshingly crisp acidity and a very light phenolic note. Spicy, lively, bright, ripe citrus with a note of red fruit along with minerally-chalky-earth terroir and subtle accents of toast. Very long finish. Fine tension, fresh, focused; bright and alive-in-the-mouth. This may be our best value in Champagne. Spec’s: 90+. Tech: 12% Alc.