Champagne Ullens Brut Lot 10 NV

Champagne Ullens is the rarest of stories in the region: a brand-new domaine with no family history in the area, yet it has quickly become a staple at Michelin-starred restaurants across France. Architect Maxime Ullens moved to the northern tip of the Montagne de Reims in 2012 to restore the dilapidated Domaine de Marzilly. Before long, he was enrolled in viticultural school and crafting serious, vinous Champagnes from his own oak forest.

The Lot 10 is a powerhouse of Pinot Meunier (80%) rounded out by Chardonnay (20%). Fermented entirely in oak barrels—some featuring glass ends to avoid any “green” wood influence—and aged for 36 months on the lees, this is a far cry from your typical light-as-air aperitif.

On the nose, expect a complex, savory profile: spicy citrus, toasted brioche, and a distinct marine-like saltiness. The palate is ample and chalky, offering ripe notes of red apple, pear, and a hint of vanilla bean. With a bone-dry dosage of just 2.8 g/l, it maintains a refreshing tension and a long, persistent finish of dried fruits and nuts.

This is a grower Champagne for those who appreciate structure and depth. Pair it with rich seafood like salmon or butter-sauced poultry, or simply enjoy it as a sophisticated start to an evening.