Local. Have you ever considered planning a complete champagne dinner around the local wines of Champagne? Imagine starting with a light, elegant blanc de blancs. Then choose amongst a classic blend, a rosé or vintage bottling. After that, take a break from the bubblies and wow your guests with a still Pinot from Champagne. “Still champagne?” you might ask. That’s right. Champagne has always produced still wines (both red and white). The concept of still champagne (or coteaux champenois is the appellation) is rarely heard of outside of Champagne, but we’re gradually seeing more of it made and available in the US. Finally, back to the bubbly, with a demi-sec for dessert just to stay “local.”

Here are five options, each showcasing the terroir and vintage they come from. They are listed in order of age, youngest to oldest:

Marie-Noölle Ledru
Coteaux Champenois
Ambonnay Rouge
NV
$49.99

René Geoffroy
Cumières Pinot Meunier
2008
$59.99

Franck Pascal
“Confiance”
Coteaux Champenois Rouge
2007
$61.99

René Geoffroy
Cumières Rouge
2006
$66.99

Gatinois
Aÿ Rouge
2004
$55.99