MABE 'COMPOSITION I' 2023

Champagne Mabe is a dynamic, modern project that breaks free from estate boundaries to create highly precise, artisanal blends. Sourced entirely from the 2023 vintage, this particular cuvée is a blend of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay (with the Chardonnay hailing from the prestigious Grand Cru village of Oger). Fermented and aged spontaneously entirely in old oak barrels on its fine lees, it is bottled unfined and unfiltered before being disgorged completely bone-dry with zero dosage (Brut Nature). It is a true ghost bottle, with a total production of just 1,388 bottles.

Why we love it: It offers a deeply comforting, slightly savory profile that is completely free of any wild "natural wine" flaws. The old oak barrel aging coats the glass in a rich, deeply aromatic tapestry of caramelized apples, rye bread, and sweet gooseberries, layered with deep umami nuances.

The vibe: It's been a long week and you bought this bottle to take to a friend's this weekend. Instead, you open this up with takeout carnitas (you can get another bottle for the weekend).