NV Domaine Lelievre Leucquois Methode Traditionelle

Price: $21
Region: Cotes de Toul < Alsace/Lorraine < France
Grapes: Gamay Noir
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic/biodynamic farming; clay and limestone soils from Jurassic age; made in methode traditionelle, where juice from direct press goes into fermentation and is raised on fine lies in stainless steel tanks for 3-4 months; the 2nd fermentation happens in the bottle, and the wine is raised on racks for 12 months followed by 18 months on the lees in bottle; minimal So2 at bottling only; 12% ABV
Winemaker: Vincent and David Lelièvre

Once flourishing, vineyards in the Alsace/Lorraine area were destroyed by 3 consecutive French-German wars before being revived in the early 1950's by several local families, including the Lelièvres. Nearly 70 years later, vines are blossoming and the Cotes de Toul appellation is back on the map, benefiting from a "cuesta" topography similar to that of Burgundy. This is sparkling Gamay Noir, with bright red raspberry fruit, high acid, and a dry, herbal finish.  Crushably tasty, and an extreme value for biodynamic pink fizz.  Not to mention the adorable bunny package.