2018 Philippe Fontaine “Millsime” Brut Blanc de Noirs, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This 100% Pinot Noir Champagne is sours from 30-year-old vines from Balnot sur Laignes and Les Riceys. The soil is chalky and marly, from the superior Jurassic era, giving this wine it’s distinct chalk quality on the palate. The wine is aged for 48 months sur latte before bottling. The wine is bottle aged for a minimum of 3 months before release.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Located in Balnot-sur-Laignes in the Cte des Bar region, Champagne Philippe Fontaine is above all about a history of family and tradition. The Fontaine family has indeed been cultivating their land for centuries. Nowadays, Philippe, his daughter Salom, and her husband Louis-Antoine run the estate. Most of the vineyards are located in the prestigious Les Riceys part of the region. They are comprised of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% mixed Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. All of Philippe Fontaine Champagnes are handcrafted at the estate, small production, sustainably farmed, and represent a tremendous value in the Grower Champagne category.

The origin of the Egyptian beetle on Salome Fontaines bottles comes from when her father started his estate and began bottling his own wines. Indeed, Salomes father was first farming vines and wheat and sold his produce to the local co-ops. His parents were making their own Champagne, however; and being the third child, Philippe Fontaine had to go at it alone and create his own Champagne.

When the time came to finally create his label, Philippe asked his mother for insight. She and her sister, who are very fond of Pharaonic Egyptian culture, suggested the scarab beetle, a symbol of good luck which represents rebirth, renewal, continuous change, and evolution; just like Philippe experienced himself by making his own way and his own wines. That beetle remains today on all of Salomes cuvees as a constant reminder of her fathers journey, his perseverance, ingenuity, and love for the terroir.