The Chapuys themselves refer to their wine as “premium-quality Champagne at an ‘owner’ price,” which, in a region so readily associated with luxury branding, is an appealing motto, to say the least. Since the French Revolution, this family has cultivated grapes in and around the prestigious Grand Cru village of Oger. Their presence in Oger over the past couple hundred years (one of their ancestors was the town mayor!) has blessed them with some of the finest Grand Cru growing sites for Chardonnay. Serge’s son, Arnold, took over the estate in the early ‘80s and since then his daughters, Elodie and Aurore, have come aboard to continue the tradition. Elodie manages the brand while the younger Aurore oversees winemaking and vineyard work. Indeed, a family-oriented estate. 

The nose is warm and inviting, wrapping you up in layers of ripe quince, yellow apple skin, Anjou pear, honeycomb, chalk, toasted brioche, almond, crushed oyster shell, and hints of smoke. The wine greets one with vibrant yellow fruits and immense minerality. A fresh wave of acidity keeps the wines extremely fresh and lively. For a few extra dollars, the Chapuy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs is an extreme upgrade from the mass-produced non-vintage Brut Champagnes that flood the market. Attractive price + quality = multiple bottle purchase.