Salima et Alain Cordeuil ‘Altitude 320’ Champagne AOC Brut Nature 2019

The pursuit of purity is perilous. Where does one hide their mistakes? Luckily for us, partners Salima and Alain Cordeuil seem to be immune to the pitfalls befallen by many on the quest for achieving greatness in the heralded (and, let’s be real, high-maintenance) Champagne AOC. They farm a little over 4 hectares of chardonnay and pinot noir vines and have been certified organic since 2015. Defining themselves by a commitment to minimal intervention, zero dosage, and long sur-latte aging, their wines are singular expressions of the extremely southern-situated subregion of Aube. Serious, but approachable, their wines seamlessly balance an eye for precision and an aura of whimsy. Hailing from 35-year old vines, this pinot noir is aged in a combination of tank and large wooden foudres. The wine is then aged for 3-5 years in bottle before being disgorged. Fleshy, pulpy fruit and crisp red apple skin add tension to a lush but focused mousse. With a finish that goes on like Whitney’s last note in the Star Spangled Banner, this Champagne is nothing short of a homerun. Pair with Iberico ham and potato chips, you just gotta trust us on that one. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine.