Bring on the Bubbly!
Verve Wine Founder and Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson knows a thing or two about fine wines. Here is your cheat sheet to unique vinos to toast 2024.
MARIE COURTIN 'RESONANCE' BLANC DE NOIRS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2018
Marie Courtin’s vineyards are tucked away in the small village of Polisot (Cote des Bar), where they benefit from warmer temperatures and mineral-rich Kimmeridgian limestone soils. ‘Resonance’ is a round yet racy Blanc de Noirs produced from biodynamically-farmed fruit. The wine oozes with flavors of red fruits, apple skin, brioche, and lemon zest. Serve chilled and sip with basically everything, from poultry to rich fish dishes to fried snacks, oysters, and beyond. ($68)
CHEPIKA PET NAT 'DELAWARE' FINGER LAKES 2020
Chepika is the brain child of sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier MS and Finger Lakes-based winemaker Nathan Kendall. The project highlights the frequently untapped potential of hybrid varieties in American viticulture. This fizzy pét-nat is produced from Delaware, a local variety in NY state, and is soft, fruit-forward, and loaded with crisp notes of green apple, citrus skin, lemon zest, and cream. Pop with fresh seafood, oysters, or creamy cheeses. ($34)
PIERRE PETERS 'CUVEE SPECIALE - CHETILLONS' BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2014
Now headed by fourth-generation Rodolphe Peters, this Côtes des Blancs-based estate’s 18 hectares are entirely dedicated to Chardonnay, most of which are cultivated in Grand Cru designated sites. ‘Les Chétillons’ is a powerful, 24-month sur lie Blanc de Blancs and is loaded with flavors of citrus rind, brioche, and white flowers. Pair with all things fried for an out-of-this world experience. ($200)
GEORGES LAVAL 'LES HAUTES CHEVRES' BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE 2015
This vintage Blanc de Noirs is produced from 100% Meunier vineyards planted between 1930 and 1959. The wine is only produced in great years from optimally ripe fruit. Notes of red fruit, toast, and citrus rind dominate this sparkling wine’s delicious palate. Pair with just about anything you love, or nothing at all as this wine is a special standout all on its own. ($285)
LAS JARAS 'SPARKLING WINE' 2018
Founded by Joel Burt and Eric Wareheim, Las Jaras seeks to create balanced, low-alcohol wines full of juicy food-friendliness and supple character. The Sparkling Wine is made from hand-picked, Old Vine Carignan, using a combination of methods (traditional + ancestral.) The final juice is mineral-driven, dry, and floral, with notes of red fruit and flowers. Pair with your favorite creamy cheeses. ($47)
A CHICAGO MUST-VISIT
Verve Wine has a buzz worthy restaurant, too. When staying at Club residences in Chicago, don’t miss a night out at Verve Wine+Provisions restaurant, featuring a wine-friendly, ingredient focused menu by Chef Ryan Epp (formerly of Roister, and PerSe).