Lelarge-Pugeot Les Meuniers de Clemence Extra Brut Premier Cru

Pale golden yellow with a persistent effervescence. Full of green apple and lime juice aromas, this is incredibly poised and is made from 100% Pinot Meunier – something of a rarity in Champagne. The intense fruitiness balances the crisp palate, while a long finish displays a creamy mousse character and mineral texture. A creamy mousse character lingers on the endless finish.

The vineyard is spread over 42 distinct parcels in and around the Premier Cru village of Vrigny and is farmed according to organic and biodynamic methods. The vineyard comprises eight hectares and the vines grow over gently rolling hills, at altitudes of 150 metres above sea level. The grapes for this cuvée come from a blend of 30 of the parcels from Vrigny, where the soils are sandy loam and calcareous marls. The Chardonnay vines are pruned according to the Chablis method, with the reds according to the Cordon method. The vineyard 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 and plants are used between the vine rows to impart valuable nutrients to the soil. Harvested by hand.