Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot is a boutique, organic grower based in Vrigny, a Premier Cru village situated in the north east of Montagne de Reims. The Lelarge family has been making wine since 1789 and Champagne since 1930. Today the estate is headed up by seventh generation Dominique Lelarge, along with his wife Dominique Pugeot and their children. The wines are dominated by Pinot Meunier due to the north eastern orientation of the vineyard. They believe in letting the grapes thrive as naturally as possible in order to express the pure essence of terroir. Biodynamic principles are practised in the vineyard and they were certified organic in 2013. Champagne LelargePugeot follows a philosophy of minimal intervention in the winery and their handcrafted wines are poised, elegant and a true reflection of the Vrigny terroir.

THE VINTAGE:
2016 was a complicated vintage filled with dramatic events, from frost and mildew to a humid spring. However, the weather warmed up during the summer and the grapes reached good maturity levels. The harvest was warm and although yields were reduced by around 30%, the quality was high. The biodynamic trials had a positive impact and the vines were not affected by mildew.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Lelarge-Pugeot’s eight hectare vineyard is spread over 42 distinct parcels in and around the Premier Cru village of Vrigny, at altitudes of 150 metres above sea level. The grapes for this cuvée come from a blend of four of the parcels from Vrigny Premier Cru, where the soils are sandy loam and calcareous marls. The Pinot Meunier vines are pruned according to the Cordon method, restricting the yields and concentrating the flavours. The vineyard is certified organic and uses biodynamic methods; it is ploughed by horse during the year, to prevent soil compaction, allowing the top layers of soil access to oxygen and boosting the overall health of the soil, vines and grapes. Grasses are planted between the rows to impart valuable nutrients to the soil. Hand harvested.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Made from 100% Pinot Meunier, something of a rarity in Champagne. The grapes were pressed using a pneumatic press, followed by a long ‘débourbage’ or settling period. Alcoholic fermentation took place in foudres, with natural yeasts, followed by ageing in foudres. This cuvée underwent natural malolactic conversion. The wine was bottled in July 2017 and disgorged in March 2023, having wine spent nearly six years ageing on its lees in bottle.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
This stunningly poised and textured Champagne is made from 100% Pinot Meunier and has a rich palate, which is beautifully balanced by crisp notes of red berries and a deep minerality. Creamy, with a lovely purity through to an endless finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Meunier 100%.