The Orban family has been cultivating vines in the Marne Valley since 1929, yet they've somehow remained under the radar of most Champagne enthusiasts, while growers from more famous, rated villages like Ambonnay and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger gained more attention.

This Marne Valley village supplies fruit to Krug, one of Champagne's most prestigious houses. Francis Orban meticulously tends his seven hectares of estate vines in Leuvrigny and Sainte-Gemme, transforming them into a Champagne that delivers remarkable opulence, balance, and energy. Here, where Meunier reaches its fullest expression, Orban crafts a wine that combines Egly-Ouriet-like power with unexpected finesse—at a fraction of either producer's price.

Why You'll Love It

• 100% Meunier from 30-40 year old vines in Leuvrigny, a village prized by Krug for the intensity these sandy clays give to this charming mutation of Pinot Noir.
  

• Based on the exceptional 2019 vintage, described as "the finest in the string of warm vintages" from recent years. That makes this wine so vinous and satisfying with a mere 3g/L dosage.
  

• This Extra Brut delivers pretty red fruits like crushed raspberries and cranberries, toasty, creamy lees, and notes of lemon and apricot. It’s strikingly clean and precise, incredibly versatile at the table, for well under $80!

How to Serve it

• Serve in white wine stems or broad Champagne tulips at 45°F.
  

• Drink now or cellar through 2028.
  

• Pair with Prosciutto San Daniele and cantaloupe as an aperitif, or Dungeness crab cakes with beurre noisette.