Gonet-Médeville Champagne Grand Cru, Ambonnay ‘La Grande Ruelle’ Extra Brut 2007

Julie and Xavier Gonet-Médeville are, in many ways, the first couple of French wines. Both hail from storied winemaking families: Julie’s family is famous for its incomparable Chateau Gilette, and Xavier comes from a long line of Champagne growers in Le Mesnil. Leading a new generation of winemakers, they bring their family knowledge, methods and passion to the many wines they now make together. In 2000, when his family’s plots were being divided, Xavier opted for a modest collection of the highest quality 1er and Grand Cru vineyards with a goal of producing only the most exquisite, small-production Champagnes. Champagne Gonet-Médeville’s Pinot Noir (Bisseuil & Ambonnay) and Chardonnay (Mesnil-Sur-Oger) are farmed organically, and each parcel is vinified separately to emphasize its individual terroir. There is no malolactic fermentation, and dosage is reduced to a minimum. Julie and Xavier’s resulting Champagnes are very elegant, delicate, festive and easy to drink.