We are always on the hunt for the best values in Champagne. Not “good for the price.” Not “solid.” We mean the bottles that make you stop mid-sip and ask: how is this under $50?

Sébastien Girost is exactly that kind of discovery.

Based in the tiny village of Congy in the Vallée du Petit Morin, the same village that is home to the iconic Ulysse Collin, Girost represents a multi-generation family estate that has been farming here for nearly a century. Like many growers in this quiet stretch just west of the famed Côte des Blancs, the family sold fruit to the big houses for decades before focusing on bottling their own wine. Today, Sébastien farms a small patchwork of mature parcels around Congy, working thoughtfully in the vines and crafting wines that let his chalky, clay-limestone soils really speak.

The Brut Réserve is 50% Pinot Meunier from the nearly 100-year-old “Dure Peine” lieu-dit, blended with equal parts Chardonnay from “Cornabeaux” (planted 1969) and Pinot Noir from “Morrettes” (planted 1990). It’s vinified and aged in older, neutral oak barrels and malo is blocked for maximum freshness. The base is the cool, crisp 2021 vintage, supported by 40% reserve wines that add depth and detail. In the glass it’s all about bright orchard fruit, racy acidity, and a clean, chalky snap on the finish.

The 2020 Millésime draws from the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from those same sites and sees extended barrel aging as well as sur-lattes. It’s a big step up in intensity and structure, more aromatic and broader on the palate, with layered citrus, subtle brioche, and a driving mineral backbone.

Sebastien Girost, Champagne Brut Reserve, NV $49.99

Sebastien Girost, Champagne Millesime Brut, 2020 $54.99