Lelarge-Pugeot 'Tradition' Champagne Vrigny 1er Cru Extra Brut NV

While it is true that the Lelarge family has grown grapes in Vrigny since 1799, the last two decades have seen exciting developments at the domaine. Under the two Dominiques—winemakers and owners Dominique Lelarge and Dominique Pugeot—Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot has embraced and encouraged the biodiversity of their vineyard ecosystems and acquired certifications in both organic and biodynamic farming practices. In the winery as well, they have experimented with fewer and fewer manipulations in the winemaking process, including using lower dosages at disgorgement and minimal or no addition of sulfur (depending on the cuvée). This ‘Tradition’, their entry-level offering, reflects the distribution of grapes in their northerly part of the Champagne region: it includes 50% pinot meunier, 40% pinot noir, and 10% chardonnay. Aged for six months in tank and for three years on the lees in the bottle, it received a dosage of 2 g/L. The minerality of the primarily chalk and limestone soils grounds the palate, over which toasty and nutty notes mingle with crisp apple and citrus. Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low-intervention/natural wine.