Domaine Amirault Cremant Les Quarterons

Domaine Amirault has been a fixture in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil for six generations, but don’t let the history fool you into thinking they’re stuck in the past. Xavier and Agnès Amirault are dedicated practitioners of biodynamic viticulture, treating their 92 acres of vines with a level of care that borders on the obsessive. Their “Les Quarterons” plot, characterized by deep gravel and clay soils, yields fruit with a remarkable sense of place—a “living wine” as they like to call it.

This is a sparkling white that balances the snap of Chenin Blanc with the elegance of Chardonnay and a structural kiss of Cabernet Franc. Unlike mass-produced bubblies, this cuvée spends a generous 18 to 36 months on its lees, developing a refined texture and a persistent, fine mousse.

On the nose, expect a delightful bouquet of baked apple, lemon zest, and white flowers, underscored by a subtle, savory note of toasted brioche. The palate is energetic and precise, offering a core of stone fruit and a streak of mineral-driven acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. It’s dry, crisp, and carries a salt-of-the-earth finish that invites another sip.