NV Champagne Michel Littiere Reserve Brut 750 ml

We can’t say his name. So we’ll just call him Our Man in Champagne. 

A Master of Wine whose official residence is a chic two-story townhouse on the northeast edge of Paris, he can most often be found in Reims, Épernay, or speeding between the two in his vintage BMW 635csi. He’s a hardcore sartorialist with a trim beard and fine taste in wing tips, and he fits in—or at least makes fast friends—everywhere he goes.

We met him years ago at a trade show in Dusseldorf. He’s got his hand in about a half-dozen aspects of the wine business, and unless we count his monthly column (the reason he must stay anonymous), we don’t hear from him too often. 

But this man has an unerring nose for undiscovered Champagne. We’re forever indebted to him for leading us to all-time member-favorite Grumier—and he delivered a hit in Champagne Michel Littiere. 

Champagne Michel Littière is the quintessential grower-Champagne, a hidden gem nestled in the village of Oeuilly, on the left bank of the Vallée de la Marne. Dating back to 1970, this third-generation récoltant-manipulant (grower-producer) tends to just 15 acres of vines spread across 25 meticulously managed plots on the hillsides of Oeuilly. They’ve earned five consecutive selections in the Gault & Millau Champagne guide.

Their Reserve Brut, a blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier, and 15% Chardonnay, was harvested in the 2021 vintage, before it spent 20 months on the lees. Now it’s toasty yet lively, ready to thrill you and yours until your cases run dry.