F&R Miniere, Champagne Influence Brut, NV [2020] CS20230806 The grapes are picked ripe

The grapes are picked ripe and dried on mats to concentrate them before fermentation

typically at cellar temperature or chilled

and then a slow reduction with demineralized water instead of a hard cut

The half-bottle is great to have around—splash some into bubbly for a Kirsch Royale

Vine Starr is made with early-harvested fruit

F&R Miniere, Champagne Influence Brut, NV [2020] CS20230806 The grapes are picked ripeGrower Champagne with serious old school character. The Minire family has farmed in Hermonville (Massif de Saint Thierry, north of Reims) since 1919, and brothers Frdric and Rodolphe the fourth generation work organically and vinify entirely in oak with no malolactic fermentation. Influence is their flagship cuve: roughly 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, with about 15% reserve wines from a barrel solera. The current release rests largely