A Blanc de Blancs for Life’s Micro-Celebrations

Sometimes, you don’t need a big life milestone to pop Champagne.
Sometimes, you just need a little micro-celebration — a Friday well survived, a good meal, or simply the joy of being alive. That’s exactly the mood I was in when I opened a bottle of Pierre Moncuit Blanc de Blancs Brut “Hugues de Coulmet” NV, which I picked up from Astor wines.

Pierre Moncuit is a family Champagne house in Sézanne that does one thing, and one thing only: Chardonnay. No Pinot Noir, no Meunier — just pure Blanc de Blancs [with the exception of Rose of course]. Their NV bottlings are almost entirely from a single vintage, which gives them a focus and personality you don’t always find in the big-house blends. This cuvée spends a full three years on lees (those magical yeast cells that give Champagne its complexity) and has a modest 7g dosage — just enough to round out the wine without hiding its freshness.

From the moment the cork popped, the pale gold liquid danced with a lively mousse and tiny, creamy bubbles. The nose hit me with fresh bread dough, ripe opal apples, and a chalky brightness that screams Blanc de Blancs. On the palate, it’s vibrant and zesty, the acidity lifting notes of white peach and green apple, while hints of lemon balm and crushed rock linger long after the sip.

Here’s my hot take: if you’re already willing to spend “Veuve” money, give this a try instead. It’s less about a “house style” and more about expressing the specificity of place — the chalk, the air, the very fingerprints of Sézanne. Elegant, precise, and somehow both celebratory and quietly thoughtful at the same time.

And one more thing — their website is absolutely worth a visit. It’s beautifully made, brimming with detail, and gives you a glimpse into the artistry behind each bottle. Just like the wine itself, it’s a reminder that sometimes, focusing on the little things makes all the difference.

So here’s to micro-celebrations — and to finding Champagnes that make the everyday feel a little more extraordinary. 🥂