French Sparkling MasterClass with Cynthia Hurley Imports
Champagne may be France’s most famous sparkling wine region, but it is far from the only place producing extraordinary bubbles. Join us for an exploration of French sparkling wine with Kyle Martinez of Cynthia Hurley, tasting a fascinating lineup that showcases the diversity of grapes, terroirs, and traditional-method wines being made from the Loire Valley to Limoux—and, of course, Champagne.
We’ll begin in Vouvray, where Chenin Blanc takes on a wonderfully distinctive sparkling expression in Vigneau Chevreau’s Pétillant, a half-pressure, traditional-method wine that offers a glimpse into the versatility of this celebrated Loire grape. From there, we’ll travel to Saumur and explore Couly Dutheil’s Brut de Francs, a traditional-method Blanc de Noirs made entirely from Cabernet Franc—a delicious reminder that sparkling wine in the Loire can be anything but predictable.
Our journey continues south to Limoux, one of France’s historic homes of sparkling wine, where J. Laurens showcases two very different expressions: a traditional-method Blanquette de Limoux led by the indigenous Mauzac grape, and a vibrant rosé combining Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
Then, we arrive in Champagne, where the conversation turns to the region’s celebrated Grand Cru terroirs and the remarkable diversity that can exist within its borders. We’ll taste through Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Brut Nature, and Rosé expressions from JP Seconde, Hervé Dubois, Penet, and Michel Arnould, exploring how grape variety, village, élevage, and winemaking philosophy shape the final wine.
From Mauzac to Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a masterclass in the many faces of French sparkling wine—as we pop the cork on some of France’s most distinctive sparkling wines.
