Waris-Hubert, Lilyale, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, Zéro Dosage, NV

“Pale golden colour with intense glints of emerald green. Fine and lively effervescence; lasting beads of bubbles. The aromas are elegant and expressive with a floral and springlike tone. Notes of lime blossom, mint and freshly mown grass develop, which evolve to white fruit and fresh Mirabelle plum. The scent of Viennese pastries and brioche fill the senses. The palate is full and with a rich attack. Firm and powerful. Dense in the evolution phase with lively lemon flavors, complimented by minerality and hints of wild citrus fruits. It’s the purity, and elegance of the chardonnay grand cru of the Côte des Blancs. Elegant and expressive.”

Often in the region of Champagne, from the hands of matrimony stems the joining not only of two people but plots of vineyard land as well. In 1997, Stéphanie Hubert and Olivier Waris were wed.

Stéphanie & Olivier are each the fourth generation of grape growing families in Avize, a Grand Cru-classified village of the Côte des Blancs. Thus was born the estate of Waris-Hubert, with vineyards in the villages of Avize, Oger, Cramant, Chouilly and Aÿ, all classified “Grand Cru”, along with the communes of Grauves, Bisseuil and Sézanne, terroirs of character. Together this is an exceptional collection of vineyards, in all a total of 11 hectares (26 acres).

At harvest, each plot is vinified separately in stainless steel tanks. They want to be able to blend the best attributes and flavors of the Côte des Blancs, the Sézannais and the Vallée de la Marne.

Every cuvée of Champagne Waris-Hubert benefits from cold settling for 72 hours and low-temperature fermentation. Once the alcoholic fermentation is over, the wines are aged on lees for one month, whereupon they are racked and allowed to commence malolactic fermentation. These stages contribute to the refinement of the flavors and finesse of Waris-Hubert Champagnes.

The Waris-Hubert house style is to express freshness of fruit and easy drinkability with minerality and refined structure. These are Champagnes that both the novice and the experienced taster will enjoy.