DOMAINE MEA 'La Cuvee des Loups' 2020

Domaine Méa's La Cuvée des Loups, which translates to "The Cuvée of the Wolves," honors the history of the Louvois village where wolves once emerged from the surrounding forests to wander through the sloping vineyards. What's interesting is this wine is only made in exceptional years to capture the unique signature of a single harvest. For the 2020 vintage, winemakers Sophie and Franck blend 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Bouzy and Chardonnay from Louvois and Bouzy. The base wine undergoes separate parcel vinification and matures for a full year in small oak barrels and stainless steel on its fine lees before bottling. It then spends a minimum of four years resting in the estate’s frigid chalk cellars. Kept as a near-bone-dry Extra Brut with just 1 g/L dosage.

Why we love it: This is deep and rich with almond and hazelnuts and finishes with absolute laser focus. Because the dosage is practically non-existent, the wood-aged weight snaps instantly into an electric, intensely mineral, and salty finish.

The vibe: It has been a long week, you're getting home late again and it's only Wednesday. Pop this bottle and make yourself a pack of instant ramen (like Shin Ramyun), adding in a few fresh chives on top.