MARX-COUTELAS 'Les Grands Jardin' Coteaux Champenois Rouge

Winemaker Bryan Marx crafts this exceptionally rare still red from "Les Grands Jardins," a single, chalk-dominant parcel planted all the way back in 1969 that directly overlooks the Marne River in Venteuil. It is 100% Pinot Noir, harvested by hand from old vines and subjected to a 10-day whole-cluster maceration. Fermented naturally with indigenous yeasts, it ages for 1.5 years in neutral Burgundy barrels. It is bottled completely without added sulfur, fining, or filtration, yielding a tiny production of only three individual barrels.

Why we love it: It hits your palate with a delightful crunch, tasting like a basket of freshly picked wild berries. It is light, vibrant, and totally unmasked by bubbles or sulfur. The nose jumps out with bright aromas of tart cranberries, wild raspberries, and sour cherries, balanced by a classic, earthy undertone that smells like a walk through a damp autumn forest.

The vibe: The neighbors are coming over to sit around the fire after dinner. Open this bottle with a bowl of smoky roasted almonds and slices of prosciutto.