Sunday Sips: Featuring Blanc de Noirs Champagne Premier Cru Gonet-Medeville
Some bottles deserve more than just a casual uncorking. They call for an occasion, a little pause in life’s momentum, and the acknowledgment of something worth celebrating. For us, that moment came this past August 13th as we marked our sixth wedding anniversary and eight years together (we wed on the anniversary of our first date). In true “Sunday Sips” fashion, we wanted a champagne that was both elegant and memorable—a bottle that would not just complement the moment, but become part of it. Enter the Blanc de Noirs Champagne Premier Cru from Gonet-Medeville.
Why This Champagne Felt Like the Perfect Fit
Gonet-Medeville has a reputation for crafting champagnes with both precision and personality, and their Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru delivers exactly that. Blanc de Noirs—meaning “white from black”—is champagne made exclusively from red grapes, in this case Pinot Noir. While many champagnes blend Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for balance, a Blanc de Noirs leans into depth, complexity, and structure.
When we first pulled the foil and worked the cork free, the pop was crisp and clean, not brash. A delicate wisp of vapor curled up from the bottle’s neck as if the wine was stretching awake after a patient slumber. Pouring it into the glass revealed an irresistible blush-pink hue, almost like the sky just before the sun sets—a visual prelude to romance. It also perfectly complimented the blush color palette of our wedding day a lovely nod to the celebration.
First Impressions in the Glass
From the first pour, the mousse—the frothy crown of bubbles—was fine, persistent, and lively. The aroma drifted up immediately: wild strawberries, white peach, and a whisper of brioche. The Pinot Noir brought a faint earthiness in the background, grounding the fruit notes in something more substantial. It’s the kind of bouquet you can spend several minutes just inhaling, letting each swirl reveal something new.
The Taste: Creamy, Clean, and Lingering
That first sip was nothing short of luxurious. The texture was creamy, almost silken, with the tiniest bubbles dancing across the tongue. There’s a clean, mineral backbone that keeps everything refreshing, cutting through the richer notes so the champagne never feels heavy. Flavors of red currant, raspberry, and a hint of almond came through, with a finish that seemed to stretch endlessly—like a favorite song you never want to end.
This is where the craftsmanship of Gonet-Medeville really shines. The champagne manages to balance generous fruit with precise acidity, resulting in something that’s not only delicious but also interesting. Every sip feels like an evolution.
Why It Worked So Well for Our Celebration
Anniversaries are both a look back and a look forward—reflecting on the journey together while also toasting to what’s ahead. This Blanc de Noirs embodied that feeling. The depth and structure spoke to the years we’ve built together, while the lively bubbles and bright fruit reminded us of the joy, spontaneity, and lighthearted moments that keep our relationship thriving.
It also didn’t hurt that we both have a soft spot for wines that combine elegance with approachability. This bottle didn’t require an encyclopedic knowledge of Champagne terroirs to appreciate—it simply delivered pleasure from the first glass to the last.
Vegan Pairing Possibilities
While champagne is famously food-friendly, Blanc de Noirs tends to pair particularly well with dishes that have a touch more richness or umami. Since we aim for plant-based pairings, here are some vegan-friendly options that would sing alongside this wine:
1. Wild Mushroom Risotto
The creamy texture and earthy flavors of a well-made mushroom risotto mirror the champagne’s richness while allowing its acidity to cleanse the palate between bites. A mix of shiitake, oyster, and porcini mushrooms with a drizzle of truffle oil would make for a luxurious match.
2. Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Pistachio Cream
The champagne’s berry notes find a natural companion in the sweet, earthy profile of roasted beets. Thin slices dressed in olive oil, sea salt, and citrus, topped with pistachio cream, would echo the wine’s nuttiness and color.
3. Vegan Cheese Board
Opt for aged vegan cheeses like Miyoko’s smoked farmhouse or Treeline’s cracked pepper. Add Marcona almonds, dried figs, and a crusty baguette, and you’ve got an effortlessly chic pairing for leisurely sipping.
4. Tempura Vegetables with Ponzu Dipping Sauce
The crisp texture of tempura—light zucchini, asparagus, and shiitake mushrooms—pairs beautifully with the champagne’s effervescence. The ponzu’s citrusy tang brightens the match.
5. Strawberry & Almond Tart
For a dessert pairing, this champagne can handle a hint of sweetness without losing its poise. A vegan tart with almond cream and fresh strawberries would complement the wine’s fruit and almond notes.
Serving Tips for Maximum Enjoyment
Temperature: Serve well-chilled, around 45°F (7°C), but not ice cold. Too cold and the aromas stay muted; too warm and the acidity can feel flat.
Glassware: While flutes preserve bubbles, a white wine glass will better showcase the champagne’s aroma and complexity.
Pacing: Blanc de Noirs can evolve beautifully over the course of a meal. Pour smaller amounts and top up often, allowing each pour to reveal fresh nuances.
A Few Words on Gonet-Medeville
The Gonet and Médeville families each brought their own legacies to the table when they began producing champagne together. Known for a balance between power and elegance, their wines often come from Premier Cru vineyards in the heart of Champagne. The Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru, made from carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes, is a testament to their ability to craft wines that feel celebratory yet deeply thoughtful.
Final Thoughts: A Champagne for More Than Just Special Occasions
While we opened this bottle for our anniversary, I can easily see it becoming a staple for Sunday Sips—those unhurried afternoons when you want something beautiful in your glass, whether it’s to celebrate a milestone or simply the pleasure of the day. It’s a champagne that manages to feel indulgent without being over the top, approachable without losing sophistication.
The creamy, clean texture, the steady stream of bubbles, and that delicate pink hue—it all adds up to a wine that feels like both a gift and a memory in the making.
As we finished the last glasses, the sun dipped low outside, casting a warm blush over the room that matched the champagne’s glow. Our sixth anniversary may have been the excuse, but it’s clear this bottle will always remind us of why we choose each other—over and over again, year after year.
