Champagne 1er Cru Selection brut, Marc Hebrart

Champagne made a name for itself through the wines of large negociants - producers who buy fruit from the vineyards of other growers and blend many lots together. The past several decades have seen the rise of the "Grower-Producer" in Champagne. This label belongs to producers who are growing all of the fruit for the wine they produce, keeping their own product to vinifiy rather than sell it to the larger houses. Look for the "RM" on the label, indicating that the winery is a Recoltant-Manipulant, or Grower-Producer, and not a Negociant-Manipulant (NM), or larger house. Fine wine can be made in either way, but RMs produce products that are inevitably more indicative of terrior. The Hebrart family has been making Champagne under their family name since the 1960's. The wines are complex and refined, but easy to drink and enjoy. This rose is entirely sourced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in Mareiul Sur Ay, a Premier Cru village in Champagne of the highest quality (many argue that the Village should be upgraded to Grand Cru status). Roses, candied rhubarb, strawberries and cream, and almond skin. 91 Points Robert Parker, 92 Points Wine Enthusiast