PETIT WEEK IN WINE | December 30th 2023

TASTING FLIGHT FEATURING:

Champagne Triumvirate:

Roederer, Bollinger, Billecart

Let's Toast to 2023 & Ring in 2024!

As we approach the close of this year, let's revel in our final showcase weekend with a delightful tasting flight featuring none other than CHAMPAGNE! Seize the opportunity to raise your glass to the upcoming year as we present THREE exceptional Champagne producers. Our exclusive $35 Champagne tasting flight commenced last night and will gracefully linger until 8:30 pm today. Embark on a tasteful journey with Champagne Roederer 'Collection 243' Brut, Bollinger 'Special Cuvée' Brut, and Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé.

These extraordinary wines are uniquely priced for this weekend only—details await you below.

Both our Park Road flagship store and South End location will have operating hours until 9 pm today. Please note that we'll have limited hours tomorrow (NYE) from 12 pm to 2 pm.

As we bid farewell to this tumultuous year, we wish you a New Year filled with tranquility, good health, and boundless joy.

We express our deepest gratitude for your patronage and friendship throughout this memorable year. Cheers to the possibilities that 2024 holds!

Warm regards,

Mark

NEW YEAR'S EVE is almost here!

We are here for all of your gifting needs

Please let us know if we can be of any assistance! mark@petitphilippe or txt us at 415-306-4283. We are here to serve you. Let us help you select some special bottles for your festive gatherings that will impress and truly delight your guests.

CHAMPAGNE FLIGHT

Saturday, December 30th

3PM to 8:30PM

Join us for a special tasting of three brilliant Champagne houses. Here is the pre-NYE lineup:

* ROEDERER 'COLLECTION 243' BRUT NV

* BOLLINGER 'SPECIAL CUVÉE' BRUT NV

* BILLECART-SALMON BRUT ROSÉ NV

$35 fllight of three

Champagne Roederer

Collection 243 Brut NV

$88 retail, $75/btl today only!

Champagne Roederer's 'Collection 243' Brut stands as a pinnacle of sparkling craftsmanship, offering an exquisite blend that reflects the mastery of the renowned Maison Louis Roederer. Comprising a harmonious union of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes sourced from select vineyards, this cuvée is a testament to precision winemaking.

The technical specifications of 'Collection 243' showcase a delicate balance, with a majority composition of Pinot Noir (approximately 60%) lending structure and depth, while the remaining Chardonnay (about 40%) imparts elegance and finesse. The grapes, handpicked at optimal ripeness, undergo a meticulous vinification process, including a gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve the purity of fruit flavors.

This brut expression ages gracefully in the cellars for an average of four years, allowing the development of complex aromas and a refined effervescence. On the palate, expect a vibrant and creamy texture, with notes of crisp green apple, citrus zest, and a subtle hint of brioche. The 'Collection 243' reveals a remarkable persistence, characterized by a long, lingering finish that leaves a trail of toasty nuances. This champagne, with its fine bubbles and impeccable balance, is a true embodiment of Roederer's commitment to excellence and a fitting choice for those seeking a sparkling experience of unparalleled sophistication.

Champagne Bollinger

Special Cuvée Brut NV

$119 retail, $99/btl today only!

Champagne Bollinger's 'Special Cuvée' Brut epitomizes the artistry and heritage of this esteemed house, renowned for crafting exceptional Champagnes since 1829. This cuvée, a non-vintage expression, showcases a meticulous blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes, sourced from the finest crus in the Champagne region.

The technical specifications of 'Special Cuvée' reveal a careful orchestration, with Pinot Noir dominating the blend, contributing richness and depth (60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier). The grapes undergo fermentation in oak barrels, a distinctive trait of Bollinger's winemaking, followed by an extended maturation period on lees, which imparts complexity and character.

Upon the first sip, 'Special Cuvée' reveals a golden hue and a fine, persistent mousse. The palate is treated to a symphony of flavors, featuring ripe pear, toasted brioche, and hints of hazelnut. The signature Bollinger style is marked by a full-bodied structure, underscored by a lively acidity that provides freshness and balance. The wine finishes with remarkable length, leaving lingering impressions of honeyed nuances.

With its distinctive house style and commitment to excellence, Champagne Bollinger's 'Special Cuvée' Brut is a testament to the enduring quality and savoir-faire that define this iconic Champagne house, making it a superb choice for those seeking a refined and memorable sparkling experience.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Brut Rosé NV

$125 retail, $105/btl today only!

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, a jewel in the portfolio of the prestigious Billecart-Salmon Champagne House, captivates with its elegance and finesse. Crafted with precision and a commitment to quality that has defined the House since 1818, this rosé expression is a masterful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, sourced from premier cru and grand cru vineyards.

In terms of technical specifications, the 'Brut Rosé' exemplifies a delicate equilibrium, with a composition of approximately 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 30% Pinot Meunier. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing, and the juice is allowed only a brief maceration on the skins to achieve the desired pale pink hue, preserving the wine's finesse. Following this, the cuvée ages on lees for an extended period, contributing to its nuanced complexity.

Upon pouring, the 'Brut Rosé' reveals a salmon-pink color, enticing the senses with a bouquet of red berries, subtle floral notes, and a touch of citrus. The palate is a harmonious dance of flavors, featuring ripe strawberries, raspberries, and a delicate hint of spice. The fine, persistent bubbles enhance the wine's texture, while the crisp acidity imparts a refreshing vibrancy.

Billecart-Salmon's commitment to producing exceptional rosé Champagnes is evident in the 'Brut Rosé,' a sparkling creation that seamlessly combines fruitiness and sophistication. This Champagne is a celebration of the House's legacy and dedication to crafting wines of unparalleled charm, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined and enchanting rosé experience.

France, Champagne

Champagne: A Pinnacle of Elegance and Excellence

Champagne, the iconic sparkling wine originating from the eponymous region in northeastern France, is a symbol of celebration, luxury, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The Champagne region, encompassing cities like Reims and Epernay, has earned its esteemed reputation through centuries of meticulous winemaking and a commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality.

Terroir and Grapes:

The unique terroir of Champagne, characterized by chalky soils and a cool climate, creates the perfect conditions for cultivating the classic grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The chalk not only imparts distinct mineral qualities to the grapes but also ensures optimal drainage, contributing to the vibrancy and complexity of the wines.

Méthode Champenoise:

One of the defining features of Champagne production is the Méthode Champenoise, a labor-intensive and time-consuming process involving a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This traditional method results in the creation of fine, persistent bubbles and imparts a rich, toasty character to the wine as it matures on its lees.

Exceptional Quality and Aging:

Champagne is often associated with aging, and many prestige cuvées spend an extended period in the cellars, allowing the wines to develop nuanced flavors, intricate aromas, and a remarkable depth. This commitment to time-intensive aging sets Champagne apart and contributes to its reputation as a wine of great complexity.

Distinctive Styles:

Champagne offers a diverse range of styles, from the crisp and citrusy Blanc de Blancs (made exclusively from Chardonnay) to the fuller-bodied and fruit-forward Blanc de Noirs (crafted from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). Additionally, the region produces exquisite rosé Champagnes, known for their delicate color and vibrant berry notes.

The Compelling Allure and Cost:

Champagne's compelling allure lies in its unparalleled combination of elegance, sophistication, and a centuries-old tradition of excellence. The meticulous craftsmanship, limited yields, and the prestige associated with Champagne production contribute to its higher cost compared to sparkling wines like Cava, Prosecco, or Crémant.

While Cava and Prosecco are crafted using different methods and grape varieties, and Crémant hails from various French regions, Champagne's unique terroir, production techniques, and aging requirements set it apart. The investment in time, quality of grapes, and the artisanal approach to winemaking justify Champagne's premium pricing, making it the pinnacle of sparkling wine and a timeless symbol of celebration and indulgence. The effervescence in every glass tells a story of dedication, tradition, and the pursuit of perfection that is synonymous with the Champagne region.

Bottom line, say no to Champagne and say no to life!