If you use your imagination, a champagne bottle does in a way resemble the Eiffel Tower, wide-bodied on the bottom then becoming slender as it rises up. In 2021, the descendants of the man who is behind what is perhaps the most famous landmark in the world launched a very confidential champagne that bears the name of the ingenious French civil engineer who was born in the very gastronomic city of Dijon in Burgundy. The Gourmet Gazette recently savored the Champagne Gustave Eiffel Blanc de Blancs, which as its name implies is made solely with the Chardonnay grape variety and in which two of France’s greatest symbols come together, perfectly.

Lively, crisp and slightly fruity, it’s perfect chilled for cocktail time and can hold its own with marinated, thinly sliced fish in ginger and lime, chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce or the simple elegance of a grilled lobster. The champagne is elaborated by the family-owned Maison Fournaise with the vineyards located in Crugny just a few miles west of Reims in the heart of the picturesque Ardre Valley. The grapes, which are harvested by hand, emanate from a tidy vineyard of 22 acres (9 hectares) growing in the traditional limestone soil of Champagne with a dusting of clay. Only 10,000 bottles of Gustave Eiffel champagne are produced each year and are available exclusively from the on-line boutique. There is also a rosé and a brut reserve Champagne Gustave Eiffel. Trish Valicenti special to The Gourmet Gazette. https://www.champagne-eiffel.com/