Sparkling wine was made by the monks of Limoux more than a century before Dom Pérignon was born. While the Languedoc can often produce big, meaty red wine, the Aude valley of Limoux is home to a much cooler climate due to its proximity to the Pyrenees. Limoux's altitude and harsh, windy conditions make for stunningly fresh and fine sparkling wines.

Blanquette de Limoux is traditionally made from Mauzac, and this particular cuvée is about as classic as it gets—albeit extra clean and fine from this new-generation winemaker. Étienne farms around ten hectares of the family vineyards himself. These are some of the highest in Limoux and are on highly sought-after clay-limestone. Étienne farms organically and makes his wine with no additions—most interestingly without sugar—which leaves them super dry and uber-refreshing. He says he was “born in these vines”, and his experience, instinct and skill results in ripe, clean fruit with the sweetness and purity to carry it through.