J. Lassalle

The J. Lassalle estate was founded in 1942 by Jules Lassalle, in Chigny-les-Roses, a Premier Cru town the heart of Montagne de Reims. Today the winery remains in family hands. Since 1982 the estate has been run by Lassalle's wife and his daughter Chantal Decelle Lassalle, with the same uncompromising pursuit of excellent quality. The 11 ha of vineyards in Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites were planted in 1959, including 6 ha of Pinot Meunier vines. The champagne is made from healthy berries from low-yield vines, traditional pressing and of course only first press juice (cuvée). The wine undergoes slow malolactic fermentation — if any at all — to create the necessary depth and balance. The wines see no massive pumping between tanks and minimal filtration to preserve the delicate complexity and depth. The bottles are hand-riddled in the traditional manner, and left on the lees for at least 5-10 years.

Facts: 11ha., Chigny-les-Roses, Montagne de Reims, R.M., 100,000 bottles/year

Article & Scoring Wine Spectator