1 BOTTLE X 75cl. 

Grape Varieties: 70% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay

Characteristics: Straw yellow color, fine mousse. Aromas of floral and citrus notes, with hints of toasted bread. On the palate, it is rounded and refreshing, with notes of brioche and spices, and a pleasant acidity. A lingering, clean finish.

Winemaking: The Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir come from the Marne Valley, in the Boursault area, from 35-year-old vines. The Chardonnay grapes come primarily from 40-year-old vines south of Epernay (Monthelon and Mancy). 80% of the cuvée is made from a blend of wine from a Solera system (known as the Réserve perpétuelle).

This Solera system is filled with wine from the 15 previous vintages. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks and malolactic fermentation, the wine, supplemented with yeasts and the "liqueur de tirage," is bottled and aged for 36 months. During this time, a fine foam develops, and the resulting sediment is removed through a special process. Before the bottle is finally sealed, the minimum dosage is added; this Extra Brut contains 4.8 grams of sugar per liter. Before being released, this Champagne ages in bottle for at least another 6-9 months.

Regional Description: The Champagne region is located south of the city of Reims. The soil is predominantly limestone. The area comprises 33,821 hectares of vineyards, divided into five regions: the Montagne de Reims, known for its high-quality Pinot Noir; the Côte des Blancs, predominantly Chardonnay; and the Vallée de la Marne, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Slightly further south are the small areas of Côte des Bar in the Aube (6,600 hectares), known for its full-bodied Pinot Noir, and Côtes de Sézanne. The most widely planted grape varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Additionally, Arbanne, Petit Meslier (especially in the Aube), Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Voltis (a hybrid), and, more recently, Chardonnay Rosé (a mutation) are traditionally permitted.

The vast majority of Champagne is sold by large commercial houses, which purchase grapes and wine primarily from the 19,000 winemakers. However, a growing percentage of these winemakers, currently around 2,000, are releasing their own Champagne. The quality is often exceptional; these are unique Champagnes, full of character, and clearly distinct from the mass-produced Champagnes of the large houses. Producer Description: The history of this house began over 100 years ago, when Jean Baptiste Lancelot, head winemaker at the Mumm Champagne house, planted his first vines. After World War II, his son Jean launched his first Champagne. In 1967, his son Albert married Brigitte Pienne, thus establishing Lancelot-Pienne. Their son Gilles is the winemaker and has led the family business since 1995. In 2012, the property encompassed 8.5 hectares of vineyards; 3 hectares are located in the Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs in Cramant, Avize, and Chouilly, where Chardonnay is the main crop. Vineyards are also found in the Marne Valley, primarily planted with Pinot Noir (2 hectares) and Pinot Meunier (3 hectares). The numerous small plots (over 60!) guarantee Champagnes of great complexity. An average of 70,000 bottles are produced annually, exclusively from estate-grown grapes, 60% of which is exported.

Lancelot-Pienne is located in a beautiful building on the main street of Cramant, with breathtaking views of the rolling vineyards. The cellars are located a few hundred meters away, in another building in the village.

Pairings: As an aperitif, with smoked salmon, caviar, fish appetizers, shellfish, and asparagus.

Serving temperature: 7 to 9°C

Additional information: Nouvelle Vague is a creation of Lancelot Jr. and pays homage to the new cinematic movement emerging in the late 1950s and early 1960s and to New Wave music: a new generation with new ideas.