Etienne Calsac, Champagne Val d'Hermite Blanc de Noirs (Base 2022), NV

Etienne Calsac is one of the rising grower-stars of the Cote des Blancs, who took over his grandparents' Avize vines in 2010 at age 26 and built a domaine making terroir-driven Champagne from start to finish. While more than 95% of his holdings are Chardonnay, Val d'Hermite is his Blanc de Noirs, a comparatively rare red-grape bottling from him that brings more weight and breadth than his chalky Blancs de Blancs. On a 2022 base, it's a structured, food-friendly grower Champagne for anyone who wants something with body.