NV A. Levasseur Rue du Sorbier Brut Champagne 750 ml

Épernay might be a Champagne capital, but it’s no Paris, and at times, it seems like they roll up the sidewalks just after dark. So on our last visit, when we were walking back to the hotel after an early (for France) dinner, we figured we’d had our last sip of bubbly for the night—although we were thirsty for at least one more. 

Then, from the far end of a somnolent block, came the faint din of revelry. As we approached, the sounds got louder, and we noticed two locals standing out on the sidewalk, sipping flutes of bubbly that refracted the cherries of their cigarettes. They were standing at the top of a set of stairs that led to a basement bar, and that was all the invitation we needed. 

It was cold out, but the place was cramped and warm and absolutely humming. We put ourselves in the barman’s hands, and he poured us a glass of Levasseur’s Rue du Sorbier Brut. 

Champagne house A. Levasseur was established in the 1940s by the grandfather of current winemaker David Levasseur, who took the helm back in 2003. David now farms just over four hectares across 18 plots in the Vallée de la Marne.

The Rue du Sorbier Brut hails from the oldest plot of vines on the estate, located in the tiny village of Cuchery, northwest of Épernay. The cépage reflects the plantings in this site: 80% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir, and 5% Chardonnay. All of their vines are organically farmed. It’s a bright and elegant bubbly that expresses the Levasseurs’ meticulously farmed grapes perfectly. A lucky find that we’re thrilled to share.