Billecart-Salmon’s Clos Saint Hilaire and More

Last week I had the chance to visit one of the most hallowed pieces of ground in the Champagne region, the great Clos Saint Hilaire in Mareuil, at the center of the Billecart-Salmon property there. This vineyard, entirely planted to an old massal selection of Pinot Noir in 1964, makes one of the most profound Blanc de Noirs in the whole appellation. Over the last few years, the Billecart family has put in a huge effort to improve the vineyard, by adding hundreds of different plants along the border of wall, creating bird houses, insect hotels, two small ponds for frogs, and even adding beehives. This new biodynamic approach will encourage ladybugs to eat aphids, birds to eat caterpillars, and, in the end, a healthier vineyard. It is an amazing project to see.

A Visit with Didier Lapie in Champagne

It is great to be back on the road in Champagne, and last week I visited Vaudemange for the very first time in 23 years of visiting the region. Just southeast of the Grand Cru of Ambonnay, this picturesque part of the region is called La Perle Blanche de la Montagne de Reims, or “the white pearl of the mountain of Reims.” Just below it is Champagne Agricole, with plains of wheat, and it is at the crossroads of the Marne and the Montagne.

How to Pamper Tired Moms This Mother’s Day

As a bona fide tired mom, I’m here to attest to the fact that moms do a lot. A lot a lot. There’s unseen labor and research and consideration and love that goes into countless tasks, endless tasks; and I’m wagering that if there’s a mom in your life, she’s tired. She’s probably so tired from planning everything all the time to plan something nice for herself for Mother’s Day. That’s where you come in! And we’re here to help. Here are a few mother-approved tips that will help you make the mom in your life feel loved.

Nicolas Maillart: The Cutting Edge of Champagne’s 1er Cru

There is no doubt that Nicolas Maillart is among the elite of Champagne’s grower producers, and we have been very lucky to work with him and his wines over the last four years.

Spanish Newsletter: Rediscover This Dynamic Wine Region

Indigenous grapes, old-vine vineyards, organic farming, fresh new talent, and diverse terroir: this is the new Spain. If you haven’t revisited the Spanish wine aisle in awhile, you’ll be amazed at all the fresh energy pouring out of the country in vinous form. Let Spain Wine Buyer Kirk Walker take you on a tour of his favorite spots and producers in today’s newsletter.

Krug x Lemon

Every year, Champagne Krug decides on a single ingredient to inspire top chefs and home cooks a like. This year, that ingredient is the lemon, a fruit that my wife Cinnamon is obsessed with. We decided on a variation of one of my mother’s signature dishes, lemon chicken. But instead of the regular Western presentation with sides, we decided to do it as a Japanese style chicken katsu bowl.

San Francisco Is Feeling the Love with Valentine’s Day Picks

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and our San Francisco team has got you covered. They’ve picked their favorite bottles for romancing yoru sweethearts! Whether you’re hitting the town in your finery or cozying up with Netflix, there’s a beverage for you in this list!

Our Top Buys in Grower Champagne

Today's Newsletter gets us back to bubbles in a big way, and not just any bubbles. Champagne buyer Gary Westby and his team have been as busy as ever tracking down the region's best direct-import buys to fill your cellar without breaking the bank. From everyday values to showstopping collectible vintage stunners, our Champagne portfolio is full to the brim with proven performers and new discoveries that with thrill even the most seasoned aficionados.

Holiday Buying Made Easy: Our Top Picks in Nearly Every Category

Today's Newsletter is the final installment of 2022, and we're ringing out the year with a bang. Our buyers have all pitched in to compile a wide-ranging selection of holiday winners for every palate, price tier, and festive occasion. Without further ado, we'd like to wish you Happy Holidays and all the best over the next few weeks and into the New Year.

The Best Escargot Pairing

My son came home one night talking about something his teacher had mentioned: it was called escargot, and he was interested in it. I immediately snatched up the opportunity to get my kid to try a new thing and called my French friend Julie to hatch a plan. Within two days, we were gathered in my kitchen, cooking escargot and popping the corks on the Damien Hugot Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc and the 2017 Auxey-Duresses “Les Clous” from Jacques Bavard—each stunning and perfectly suited to our meal.

Thanksgiving Stars to Elevate Your Holiday Feast

Today's Newsletter gets us in the holiday mood with a truly all-encompassing look at our absolute favorite picks for pairing with a large and diverse holiday feast. Our best-in-the-business team of buyers has you covered with hand-picked selections that will shine in any holiday occasion, from the most casual, warm-hearted get-togethers to the most intricate and luxurious affairs.

Derot-Delugny: The Best Deal in 2012 Vintage Champagne

This past May, I traveled to the far west of Champagne, to the lovely, tiny village of Crouttes-sur-Marne, to visit brother-and-sister team Laurent and Claire at Champagne Derot-Delugny. They are one of the oldest grower producers in the western Marne Valley, having sold Champagne in bottle since 1929. This long tradition has given them the gift of patience and the ability to sell vintage Champagne at 10 years old, the 2012 that is the main subject of this article.

K&L Wine Merchants

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