Lassaigne "Le Grain de Beauté" Clos Sainte Sophie 2018

Grapes: Chardonnay  Region: Montgueux, Champagne, France Vintage: 2018 Viticulture: Organic Soils: Chalk Vinification: Direct press, then fermented in barrels. Put into bottles in spring Aging: 4 years, then disgorged Fining or Filtering: None Sulfur: None Notes from the Importer: In the Côte des Bar region, in the village of Montgueux, the vines of Champagne Jacques Lassaigne draw their essence from a truly exceptional terroir. While the soils of the Aube region are primarily composed of Portlandian or Kimmeridgian clay-limestone, those of Montgueux are based on chalk. Managed with passion and skill by Emmanuel Lassaigne since 1999, these 4.7 hectares of family vineyards reveal all the richness of this unique terroir, often referred to as the Montrachet of Champagne. The vineyard, planted primarily with Chardonnay and a small amount of Pinot Noir, is managed with the utmost respect for the environment, using a rigorous organic approach. No pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic products are tolerated in these vineyards, where natural grass cover is preferred and manual labor is systematic. The manual harvest is the prelude to a natural, low-intervention winemaking process in the cellar. Each plot is vinified with precision, allowing each vintage to reveal its own unique identity. The wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation and are aged in single- or multi-vintage barrels for 12 to 24 months, before resting in bottles for 1 to 5 years, depending on the vintage and cuvées. The result? Champagnes vibrant with emotion, character, and authenticity, true treasures of the vineyard that demonstrate the expertise and passion of an artisan winemaker. The minimally interventionist vinification process, aging on fine lees, and respect for the time required for each vintage give these champagnes remarkable complexity and elegance. Thus, Champagne Jacques Lassaigne invites wine lovers to discover the very essence of the Montgueux terroir through vintages that celebrate with grace and subtlety the art of natural winemaking.