Divine. That’s how they (and I describe) Palmes d’Or Brut vintage 2002 from Nicolas Feuillatte. You’ve heard of Veuve Cliquot, Moet et Chandon, Dom Perignon and Cristal for sure, but maybe not Nicolas Feuillatte. And yet, it’s the largest selling champagne in France and #3 worldwide.  I recently went to a tasting of six of their line including brut rose, a demi sec rose and a blanc de blancs. They were all very good, but oh that Palmes d’Or Brut. What’s the secret? 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir made from 11 grand crus and aged for a minimum of 9 years. In appearance it’s clear and bright golden yellow; the nose has first aromas of white pear, peach, walnut and dried apricot giving way to aromas of pepper, ginger and red fruits; the palate, delicate and dry with a long finish.

It was teamed with roasted quail au jus with asparagus and morel mushrooms at the Biltmore Hotel’s Palme d’Or which was exquisite, though the more usual pairing is with seafood. And to top it off there’s the bottle that looks like black pearls, the design inspired by the jewelry preference of Nicolas’ muse.  The price? $159. And, lest I forget, the quote of the evening was from Wayne Ballard, Business Development Manager, otherwise known as “Champagne Wayne”. “May all your loves be true loves and all your pains be champagne!”. Love it.