Lambert de Seyssel Royal Grand Cru Brut 2017

Produced in the Savoie region of France, Seyssel was one of the most popular sparkling wines in France until WWII. Like many brand the name endured but the quality suffered until 2007 when the winery was purchased by a couple of local boys, Gérard Lambert and Olivier Varichon Knowing the history of the estate they set out to revive the reputation instituting organic/biodynamic farming and an eye toward quality. Today this is our best selling sparkling and due to tariffs will probably be $29 next month so now is the time to stock up for the holidays.

The base wine is a blend of 75% Molette and 25% Altesse, two local grapes perfect for sparkling wine. There is 10 months of aging on lees before being turned into sparkling which contributes some surprising richness on the palate. It is aged for up to four years on the cork then finished with a scant 3 grams of sugar per liter (Extra Brut.) This shows a rich nose of dried Gala apple, toasted hazelnuts, butterscotch and wet pebbles. There is a rich texture to start then the acidity wraps around the middle and pulls this wine tight into the finish.