Text by Amanda Rae
Images by Megan Wynn
“It’s every sommelier’s dream to curate a list of the world’s best Champagnes and also have the kind of clientele who will appreciate them,” says sommelier Rachael Liggett-Draper about the energetic and effervescent sparkling wines found in Element 47 at The Little Nell. It is an opportunity that few places can offer.
Liggett-Draper came to Aspen in 2021 after working the floor in such stellar Vail restaurants as La Tour and Sweet Basil. An advanced sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers—she’s on track to take the Masters exam this year—she was ready for the next step in her career.
“I knew I wanted to work with a really deep wine list, and most of those tend to be on the coasts, in New York or San Francisco,” Liggett-Draper says. “But there was one wine list that I didn’t have to leave the Rocky Mountains for, and that was here at The Little Nell.” With more than 3,000 selections covering 118 pages, the Nell’s vast wine list is among the world’s most revered, and for the avid mountain biker, the location remains irresistible for its proximity to the mountains.
A self-proclaimed Francophile, Liggett-Draper naturally loves Champagne for its versatility and personality. Be it niche grower Champagne or one from the larger domaines, the Nell’s list covers the region and also features unique and impressive offerings by the glass. “Each year we do a collaboration with a Champagne house to create a Little Nell cuvée,” Liggett-Draper says. “This past year’s wine was Vilmart & Cie, Champagne blend, Little Nell cuvée brut, which was a growers Champagne.”
Ahead, Liggett-Draper recommends three wines from the Nell that she feels are both delicious and reflect the sustainability movement of the Champagne region. “In the last couple of years, I’ve seen Champagne producers making improvements in sustainable practices and decisions,” Liggett-Draper says. “We’re seeing a lot of regenerative farming, and growers are moving toward organic or biodynamic certifications. We’re seeing the larger Champagne houses move that way, too.”
Ruinart Rosé, NV
Liggett-Draper suggests this bright, zippy, and refreshing offering from the world’s first Champagne house, established by Nicolas Ruinart in 1729. “I don’t think enough people drink rosé Champagne,” she says. “I like this wine with a weightier dish—something like a steak tartare because of the structure that the pinot noir gives to the bubbles.”
Pascal Doquet Coeur de Terroir Le Mesnil Sur Oger, 2005
This small producer makes wines from sustainably grown grapes from top terroir in the Côte des Blancs. “People don’t always get the chance to drink Champagne with a little age,” Liggett-Draper says. “Doquet’s wines are rich with complex aromas of brioche, toast, and caramel. A great option for Krug lovers.”
Gaston Chiquet Special Club, 2014
The “Special Club” designation of the Club Trésors represents the highest tier classification that a grower Champagne can achieve. “Look for wines with this label to ensure an amazing bottle with value,” Liggett-Draper says. This wine, made in 100 percent stainless steel, “hits the sweet spot when paired with a raw crudo or sashimi. The fresh green apple and citrus notes make for an energetic food pairing, but the complexity of the vintage age make it stunning on its own.”