Champagne Lallement-Massonnot

Champagne house in Coulommes-la-Montagne, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Coulommes-la-Montagne (Premier Cru)
Region: Montagne de Reims
Cuvées in the guide: 6

Champagne Lallement Massonnot is a family-run estate in Coulommes-la-Montagne (Montagne de Reims) run by the fifth generation, Xavier and Marie Lallement. The history begins in the early 20th century, when the Lallement and Massonnot families planted their vineyards; the merger into the present house took place in 1981 when Francis Lallement and Anne-Marie Massonnot took over the estate. Xavier Lallement, a former engineer, returned in 2015 together with his wife Marie to modernise and internationalise the business.

The estate has 5.55 hectares of vineyards (approx. 13 acres), largely classified Premier Cru, located on the western edge of the Montagne de Reims. The grape varieties are dominated by Pinot Meunier (about 75%, 4 hectares), supplemented with Pinot Noir (0.7 ha) and Chardonnay (0.6 ha). The soils vary from clayey to sandy, which produces supple and fruity champagnes. About two thirds of the harvest is sold to cooperatives and large houses such as Bollinger and Moët & Chandon, while the remaining third is used for their own labels.

The approach is characterised by traditional and careful vinification, with an average ageing time of 36 months on the yeast (longer than the legal requirement of 15 months) for more complexity. Since 2022 the most promising plots have been isolated for special cuvées that are vinified in oak barrels. The team takes a pioneering approach to soil conservation, including permaculture and gentle pruning methods, and works with other winegrowers to optimise techniques. The grapes are harvested by hand and pressed individually to prevent discolouration, after which the fermentation and blending processes are strictly controlled.

The champagne collection comprises exclusively Premier Cru cuvées that are internationally recognised with a Rank A (Outstanding) classification from James Suckling, between 90 and 93 points. Well-known labels include:

Soleil d'Eden
Zeste Florésien
Baies d'Alizés
Millésime 2020
Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Blancs - Extra Brut

Visitors can visit the cellar by appointment at 35 Rue Haute, 51390 Coulommes-la-Montagne. The experience is characterised by personal tours and tastings in a space overlooking the vineyards, with a focus on education and sharing the craftsmanship of the fifth generation.