Georges Laval ‘Gerennes’ Extra BrutReg. $137 Now $100 Soul Wine Price $82 George Laval is widely considered the father of the ‘grower’ movement, growing and vinifying his own wines way before it was en vogue back in 1971, although the family dates all the way back to 1694. They've worked the land with no chemicals or treatments. The family is located in the Valley de la Marne owning about 2.5 hectares in total, planted to equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The Garennes is aged in neutral oak for 6 months and blended with reserve wine for its 18 month second fermentation. Mainly Pinot Muenier, the vineyard is a warmish micro-climate that always makes a more accessible wine. Garennes produces a broad and slightly richer style of champagne that has great nerve and minerality, showing pear, honeysuckle and fresh cut melon. Great acid lengthens the finish.
