Chevalier Monopole Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle Brut

If filling the flutes for your next soirée with big price tag French Champagne is a bit out of your budget – here’s a bargain buy French sparkling imported by an NZ Master of Wine and given a Top Value Award by another!

Eugène Chevalier formed House Chevalier back in 1920 and was the first producer of Méthode Traditionelle (made in the same way as Champagne) in the Mâcon region of Burgundy, just a few hours drive away from the Champagne region. These days owned by the mega Boisset Collection wine group – the third largest in France and the largest in Burgundy with 28 wineries in France and the USA!

NZ Master of Wine Steve Bennett scours the wine world for the next bargain buy, and he’s found one in Chevalier Monopole! It’s a Blanc de Blancs style which means it’s made using only white grape varieties and aged for 12 months on lees for extra richness and texture.

Scoring 90/100, a Top Value Award and his Buy of the Week (May 2022) Master of Wine Bob Campbell said “This rich and quite complex wine makes a good alternative to Prosecco. It has greater intensity and character than Italian fizz at the same price. Wine with a little je ne sais quoi at no extra price”

For sheer bang for your buck for a sub-$20 French sparkling that’s true Méthode Traditionelle – this is up there! We weren’t the only ones impressed, with local critic Sam Kim scoring this 90/100. Sam said “A beautifully rounded palate that’s creamy and flowing. Splendidly expressed and comforting for delightful drinking.”