Lelarge-Pugeot Rosé Extra Brut Premier Cru Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, Champagne

750ml bottle
12.5% abv

Luxurious, complex rosé of pinot noir, with fresh red berry aromatics complemented by toasty brioche and subtle, cozy richness. Juicy red fruit greets the palate before tightening to a dry, mineral finish layered with additional toasty brioche notes. Balanced, vibrant, and texturally compelling, this Champagne combines mineral freshness with nuanced richness.

Vintage: 2015
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 25 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 7 years on the lees in bottle

Bottled: 9/16
Disgorged: 2/24
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Fining or Filtering: None

Lelarge-Pugeot is an eighth-generation winery in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny on the rolling slopes of the Montagne de Reims (about 15 minutes west of Reims). It is a real family operation, helmed by the two parents, Dominique and Dominique, and supported by their three children, including the Bay Area's own Clémence.

The family’s 8.7 hectares of vineyards, which are planted mostly with Meunier, face northward, offering some protection from the effects of global warming, though Clémence is quick to note that they can now make red wines for the first time in the history of Champagne. The domaine, which has been certified organic since 2014 and Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2017, is comprised of 42 distinct parcels where Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are grown at elevations of 400 ft.

The wines of Lelarge-Pugeot are bright and full of pizzazz, and the family is producing some electric juice—including Nature et Non Dosé, their no sulfur/no dosage cuvée. Truly remarkable fizz all around.