DOMAINE MEA 'Le Grillon'

While Domaine Méa’s signature style often leans into the rich, powerful Pinot Noir of their home village of Louvois, Le Grillon tells a completely different, very personal family story. This cuvée (formerly named the Cuvée Prestige) was renamed in honor of Christiane, the driving force behind expanding the family's vineyard holdings onto the cooler, north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Winemaker Sophie and her husband Franck piece this blend together using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir harvested from Premier Cru plots in Ludes, Montbré, and Chigny-les-Roses. The base juice is kept on its fine lees in vats for 10 months before spending an extensive four years aging in their cold chalk cellars. It is bottled as an Extra Brut with a minimal 3 g/L dosage, allowing the natural, electric crispness of the northern terroirs to take center stage.

Why we love it: The extended time on the lees gives it a broad, sophisticated texture, yet the northern fruit keeps the entire palate brilliantly taut, vibrant, and light on its feet. This is a beautifully complex wine with apple skin, jasmine flowers and pastry dough.

The vibe: It was a long day, the house is a mess but oh a whim you've decided to have friends over with delivery tacos.