In Champagne with Pierre Gonet of Champagne Pierre Mineral

It is bottling season for a lot of producers in Champagne, and when I went to visit Pierre Gonet, who makes Pierre Mineral Champagne, he was in the middle of the job. Just like everywhere else in the world, Champagne is dogged by supply chain issues. Bottles have gone up by 20% in price, mostly due to fuel costs for firing the very hot kilns needed to make the glass. Paying the extra money is the easy part. Sadly, some producers were completely unable to order their custom bottles, so expect that four years from now you will see many generic green bottles replacing the fancy shapes we are used to! Some producers just can’t get the bottles that they need at all, creating a back log of work for them that will make life difficult when it comes time to prune the vines.

We currently have the complete line in stock from Pierre Mineral, including the spectacular Pierre Mineral Mesnil "Vieillie En Fût" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs, at just $39.99. Unfortunately, we will not be able to get this wine at this price again… and for good reason. It comes exclusively from the most expensive Grand Cru in all of Champagne, Le Mesnil, and is pure Chardonnay. It is made in the most expensive way, with half of the wine spending a year in 600 liter demi-muid oak barrels, and the other half vinified in stainless steel. It is aged for five years on the lees. The results are fabulous, a Champagne that has not only creamy, toasty generosity, but also laser precision and refreshing, chalky minerality. This wine competes easily with those at more than twice its price and is a magnificent aperitif on its own. It also comes alive with shellfish or sushi. Don’t miss it while we still have it for such a great price!

 A toast to you,

- Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer