BRICE ALLOUCHERY 'Les Sablons' 2018 MAGNUM

While winemaker Brice Allouchery’s cellars are in Écueil, he steps into the neighboring Premier Cru village of Rilly-la-Montagne to farm "Les Sablons", a single vineyard defined by highly specific, sandy-limestone soils. This 2018 vintage expression features an organic blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. Fermented with native yeasts and aged for 11 months in a mix of 225L and 500L oak barrels (with full malolactic fermentation), the wine spent 36 months resting on its laths before being finished as a bone-dry Extra Brut with a microscopic 0.93 g/L dosage.

Why we love it: The large-format magnum elevates the 2018 harvest into a beautifully charming, complete sensory experience. The nose opens with a remarkably deep, complex profile of baked brioche, stewed apricots, candied lemon, and warm brown sugar, anchored by a trace of creme brûlée and orange blossom.

The vibe: Housewarming party with a huge charcuterie board.