Erica Landin

Location: Stockholm, AB

http://www.twosisterswinetripping.com

View all trophies »

While working as a Biotech equities analyst, a divine Burgundy stopped me in my tracks and made me re-evaluate life. Today, I'm a full time wine writer. Passionate about small, quality producers, minimal intervention winemaking & sustainability in wine.

Top organic/biodynamic and natural champagnes

By Erica Landin

Chilly, humid Champagne should be a challenge for organic growers. Before Anselme Selosse of Champagne Jacques Selosse or Champagne Fleury proved them wrong, it was even said that it couldn’t be done. The climate was too risky, and a grower could lose an entire crop to mildew. However, the region is now an excellent example of organic/biodynamic and ”natural” winemakers producing more interesting wines than the standard. Here is a list of champagnes with personality, class and good price/performance (though not all by any means cheap!). They are not the only ones, however, and I encourage you to ask your retailer for other suggestions in the category!

Save List

3. Jacques Selosse Substance (NV)

« Prev Next » 3 of 7

Average price: $306.⁷¹ from 2 stores

There is champagne, and then there is Selosse. Anselme, the shy philosopher-winemaker who has made the brand a cult wine, doesn't like rules. He tries things his own way. Substance is made in a solera (like sherry) and gets a lot of depth. It's food champagne and, should you get a hold of a bottle, it might even need to be decanted. A classic beauty will take a bit of time and coaxing to shed her layers.

The king of natural winemaking in Champagne is not listed as organic or biodynamic. Anselme Selosse simply doesn’t like to follow rules imposed on him by someone else. However, this is natural wine-making with brilliant results. His wines are in high demand and quite pricey, but all excellent. When you see a bottle – buy it and keep it for a while before drinking.

View more details »