Why it matters
The producer
Chanoine Frères is a Champagne house with Chanoine Frères Brut, Chanoine Frères Vintage and Tsarine in its range. The Brut is nonvintage, the Vintage bottle carries a harvest year, and Tsarine is also nonvintage. Their labels separate grape composition, harvest year and reserve wine. Isabelle Tellier has led the cellar since 2001.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Chanoine Frères was founded in Épernay in 1730 and now operates from Reims. Both towns belong to Champagne, the French region whose appellation is associated with sparkling wine made through a second fermentation in bottle. That second fermentation creates the bubbles and the pressure held by the finished wine.
A nonvintage label leaves the harvest year unstated and can use reserve wine to build continuity across releases. A vintage label names one harvest instead. Chanoine Frères Vintage carries a harvest year, while Tsarine is nonvintage.
Wines to know
The range in view
Chanoine Frères Brut is the nonvintage house cuvée. It combines 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. The wine has bright, vivid bubbles, zippy acidity and a soft finish.
Chanoine Frères Vintage 2014 is the dated cuvée. It brings honey and toasted nut flavors with citrus freshness.