Four courses of Champagne?! Yes please 🙋🏼‍♀️

Hi Wine Friends,

I hope you’re ready to dive into some bubbly goodness because this week’s newsletter is all about our fabulous Champagne dinner last week with Clémence Lelarge of Lelarge Pugeot. And I have some exciting news to share about Arden that we just have to toast to!

A Family Tradition with a Twist

Monday night was an absolute blast as we hosted our first-ever Champagne winemaker dinner at Arden with the incredibly charming Clémence Lelarge. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, Lelarge Pugeot is a family-run Champagne house with a rich history dating back to 1799, and Clémence’s energy and passion for her family’s craft were palpable throughout the evening.

Nestled in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny, in the Montagne de Reims, the Lelarge family grows seven hectares of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. What makes them stand out? Their trailblazing commitment to sustainability. Since 1985, they’ve embraced organic farming and have taken it a step further with biodynamic practices, including ploughing with horses, respecting lunar cycles, and using herbal teas to nourish the vines. It’s a commitment to the environment that is truly inspiring and speaks volumes about their dedication to crafting exceptional, eco-conscious Champagnes (especially in light of the cold, damp and, therefore challenging conditions the climate provides!).

The Dinner

The menu was extra special (if I do say so myself) and Chef Erik worked his magic to help us pair each course with bubbles from start to finish. We kicked things off with a decadent beef carpaccio topped with red crab and truffles—paired with Pugeot's sumptuous Brut Nature ‘Tradition.’ Next up was sesame ginger noodles with cucumber, chili butter, and peanuts, paired with a racy 2016 Extra Brut ‘Geux’ (my personal favorite wine of the night). Course three featured karaage chicken, yeasted rice waffles and a playful stone fruit 'duck sauce' - matched with one of the most unique Champagne’s I’ve come across: a 2018 fully natural, no intervention, no sulfer-added beauty with rich, yeasty, slightly nutty notes that matched the salty chicken perfectly. We ended the feast with a creative twist on key lime leaf pie with yuzu blueberries, paired with our guest's namesake ‘Les Meuniers de Clemence’  - a Blanc de Noir (100% Pinot Meunier) with brooding, spicy notes and gorgeous acidity.

The Takeaway

The best takeaway from the evening was the confirmation that Champagne truly does pair with everything. From the richness of the carpaccio to the light, zesty notes of dessert, bubbles were a fantastic match for each course. This dinner was a great testament to the versatility of Champagne and its ability to elevate any dish.

Clémence’s visit reminded me how lucky I am to get to do what I do at Arden. It’s not just about delicious wines but about the stories and people that make each bottle special. A huge thank you to Clémence for bringing her passion and knowledge to our table, and to everyone who joined us for a truly memorable evening!

Celebrating Some Big News

Now, on to some very exciting news! I am beyond humbled and thrilled to share that Arden was named one of the 50 Best Wine Restaurants in America by Wine Enthusiast. It’s an incredible honor to be included in such prestigious company, alongside iconic restaurants like Bouchon, Canlis, and Single Thread. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team and it makes me a little weepy to realize that our little labor of love is now getting noticed on a national level.

It makes me all the more proud of the wine events that we produce and the educational content I’m lucky enough to get to connect with you all through! I’m looking forward to our next winemaker dinner with Kelley Fox on August 5th. It’s going to be another fantastic evening of exceptional wine and great company. We still have a few tickets left, so if you haven’t grabbed yours yet, don’t miss out! You can find all the details and snag your tickets here.

Last Chance to Join August’s Wine Tasting Club

Our next theme, “Too Hot to Handle,” features cool wines from some of the globe’s hottest regions, including the Canary Islands, Baja, Lebanon, and South Africa. We’ll explore how what allows great wine to be produced in these harsh conditions and what makes these wines so unique.

By joining, you’ll receive two (or more) specially curated bottles each month, which we’ll taste together live on Zoom every third Sunday. During our tasting, we'll dive into tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and plenty of fun wine insights. There’s no long-term commitment and you can cancel at any time. Sign up by Wednesday (the 31st) to join in August’s fun!

Thanks for raising a glass with me and celebrating these exciting milestones. I truly appreciate all your support.

Cheers,

Kelsey