BRICE ALLOUCHERY 'Les Lavats' 2020

While the Premier Cru village of Écueil is legendary for its Pinot Noir, this specific bottling isolates a highly unusual terroir. Sourced entirely from "Les Lavats," a single parcel right near winemaker Brice Allouchery's cellar, the vines were planted back in 1981. What makes this site a anomaly in Champagne is its soil—it is made of extremely deep, fine sand. Brice farms the plot organically, ferments the juice with indigenous yeasts in 500-liter wooden barrels, leaves it for 10 months in oak, and then lets it mature for 36 months in the bottle before release.

Why we love it: This wine completely flips what you expect from a Pinot Noir, trading heavy, broad shouldered power for finesse and a silky texture. You can restrained red berries, candied orange peel and warm brioche.

The vibe: Friends are coming over for game night and sushi delivery. Don't forget to add some cold soba noodles to the order!