Champagne Jean Lallement
Champagne house in Verzenay, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Verzenay (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Cuvées in the guide
- 6
Jean Lallement et Fils is a récoltant-manipulant (self-harvesting and producing) champagne house based in Verzenay, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims. The Lallement family has been present in Verzenay since 1694; Jean Lallement began producing his own champagne in the 1930s after the grape price crash of 1929. Since 1999 the estate has been run by Jean-Luc Lallement and his wife Paula-Alexandra, who continue the traditions with a strong international focus.
The vineyards cover about 4.5 hectares and are mainly located in Verzenay, known for its chalk soil and south-eastern slopes that are ideal for Pinot Noir. The vines have an average age of 28 years (some cuvées come from vines older than 35 years). The estate practises raisonnée viticulture and minimises chemical treatments to safeguard the quality of the grapes.
The approach is traditional and respectful of the wine: the harvest is done by hand, pressing takes place on the estate and vinification is done in stainless steel cuves. No filtration or fining is applied, and the first fermentation takes place without the addition of yeast cultures. After champagnisation comes manual remuage on the pupitre and a dégorgement à la volée (manual removal of the lees). The champagnes are often low-dosed (for example 4 to 6 g/l) to preserve the pure expression of the terroir.
The range mainly comprises Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with well-known cuvées such as:
- Brut Tradition: A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay with a dosage of 6 g/l.
- Rosé: Made from 100% Pinot Noir from old vines, with a low dosage of 4 g/l.
- Millésime 2012: A cuvée from old vines (more than 35 years old) that emphasises the power of the terroir.
- Les Perthois: A 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs that ages in oak barrels.
The address of the estate is 1 Rue Moët-et-Chandon, 51360 Verzenay. Visits and tastings are possible by appointment.
Cuvées by Jean Lallement
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