The Lelarge family have been growers in Champagne since 1799. Fast forward to 1983, when 7th generation Dominique Lelarge headed to Beaune to study viticulture and oenology. It was here he met his future wife, Dominique Pugeot and in 1985 the couple took over reign of the winery and it became Lelarge-Pugeot. Two of their three children, Clemence and Valantin now work at the estate also.
Lelarge-Pugeot has 8.7 hectares of vines in and around Vrigny, a premier cru village located in Petite Montagne de Reims. The vineyards are spread over 42 distinct parcels, 4.4 hectares planted to Meunier, 2.8 to Pinot Noir and 1.5 to Chardonnay.
The Nature is an assemblage of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, fermented in steel and elevaged in used Burgundy barrels. This is a fresh and bright aperatif style champagne, crisp, clean and mineraly driven. The nose is bright with lemon and orange zest, pears a little almond and candied fruit. On the palate its racy and fresh with lemon and stone fruit, precise mineral layers adding texture, balance and drive.
This is a real statement champagne from one of Montagne de Reims understated gems.