Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne

Are you ready to get your pre-World War II champagne on? Enter Ariston Aspasie Cepages d'Atan Brut Champagne - a blend of three of the four "other grapes" of Champagne. Before WWI turned Champagne to rubble, it was teeming with many grapes other than the "big three" - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, which ascended to exclusive prominence when Champagne was rebuilt after the war. Grown together "vigne en foule," or "vines in a crowd," the vineyards included Fromenteau (Pinot Gris), Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier, Arbanne, Savignan, and Gouais just to a name a few. The “seven grapes rule" came into effect in 1938, when new plantings of the four minor varieties (Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne, and Petite Meslier) were discontinued, leaving only the three main ones in use. Legally, the other four can still be used as long as they are sourced from vines planted before 1938. Thus, the Ariston Aspasie Cepages d'Atan ("Grapes of Yesteryear") is a champagne unicorn. A blend of 40% Arbanne, 40%, Petit Meslier, and 20% Pinot Blanc, the d'Atan is chalky, floral, herbal, and exotic. You have to try this old style of champagne to truly appreciate how distinctive and delicious it is. Most people who try it love it. You will not be disappointed!