Lelarge-Pugeot is an eighth-generation winery in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny on the rolling slopes of the Montagne de Reims (about 15 minutes west of Reims). It is a real family operation, helmed by the two parents, Dominique and Dominique, and supported by their kids, one of whom is our good friend Clémence.  

The family’s 8.7 hectares of vineyards, which are planted mostly with Pinot Meunier, face northward, offering some protection from the effects of global wiwarming, though Clémence is quick to note that they can now make red wines for the first time in the history of Champagne. The domaine, which has been certified organic since 2014 and Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2017, is comprised of 42 distinct parcels where Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are grown at elevations of 400 ft.

The wines of Lelarge-Pugeot are bright and full of pizzazz, and the family is producing some electric juice—including Nature et Non Dosé, their no sulfur/no dosage cuvée.  Truly remarkable fizz all around; Prince Charles would agree.

CHAMPAGNE LELARGE-PUGEOT

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Sub-region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims

Winemakers and Owners: Dominique Lelarge, Dominique Pugeot

Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017

Terroir: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand

Size: 8.7 ha

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Tradition NV

This entry-level stunner features a meunier-dominant blend to highlight the power and finesse of the domaine’s leading grape, the underappreciated pinot meunier. This cuvée is the platonic ideal of growers’ champagne - one that seamlessly weaves the minerality in the soils with the delicate aromas of grapes from a blend of 30 parcels within Vrigny. A true reflection of the Vrigny terroir.

Vintage: 2020 Harvest
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (50%), Pinot Noir (40%), Chardonnay (10%)
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 25 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Fermentation and aging in foudrw
Aging: 1.5 years on the lees in bottle

Bottled: 07/21
Disgorged: 05/23
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature)
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV

The Blanc de Blancs is a blend of different Chardonnay parcels grown on sandy loam. The grapes from these parcels create a regal and precise expression of the terroir —full of finesse with a long lingering finish.  An initial crisp acidity gives way to generous floral, ripe pear, peach and citrus notes, complemented by a subtle twist of orange peel and dried fruit complexity.

Vintage: 2014 Harvest (60%) & Reserve Wine (40%)
Grapes: Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 30 years old
Soils: Sandy loam
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Aged for 6 months in tank before bottling
Aging: 4 years on the lees in bottle

Bottled:  April 2015
Disgorged: 9/21
Dosage:  3 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Rosé Extra Brut NV

A luxuriously complex sparkling rosé of pinot noir that seamlessly integrates deep minerality with generous aromas of unctuous cheese and freshly toasted brioche. This is a wine that packs a punch, one that hits you with rich powerful flavors that you might not have expected from its delicate, pretty pink hue. A perfect bottle to drink as an apéritif or matched with endless possibilities of food.

Vintage: 2014 Harvest
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 30 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Aged for 6 months in tank before bottling, then blended with 7% Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2012
Aging: 7 years on lees in bottle

Bottled: April 2014
Disgorged: 6/21
Dosage: 2 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Les Charmes de Vrigny

The charm and restrained intensity of the Lelarge-Pugeot family captured in a single cuvée. Les Charmes is a grown-up version of the entry-level Tradition, one that has matured with age, gained more depth and nuance, but still maintains its lithe and playful levity and freshness. Notes of under-ripe green fruits join with citrus and soft yeast intensity.

Vintage: 2010 Harvest + solera blend
Grapes: 50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 40 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Aged for 6 months in tank before bottling
Aging: 10 years on the lees in bottle

Bottled:  April 2011
Disgorged: 6/21
Dosage: 4 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Les Meuniers de Clémence NV

The Pinot Meunier grape represents about 60% of Lelarge-Pugeot's total plantings, and this is a rare example of a champagne made solely with Pinot Meunier grapes. It is a beautifully balanced dry wine with intense fruitiness. Crisp minerality and creamy textures serve as the backbone for tart green apple and lime juice, with hints of almond.

Vintage: 2014 Harvest
Grapes: Pinot Meunier
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 40 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Aged for 6 months in tank before bottling
Aging: 4 years on the lees in bottle

Bottled: April 2015
Disgorged: 6/21
Dosage:  3 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Saignée de Meuniers

The domaine's rosé de saignée is back and more prismatic than ever. Now featuring 100% Pinot Meunier. Zero dosage.

Vintage: 2015 Harvest
Grapes: 100% Pinot Meunier
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 50 years old
Soils: Sandy loam
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: 32 hours of skin contact + 6 months in barrels
Aging: 6 years on the lees, in the bottle

Bottled: April 2016
Disgorged: 6/21
Dosage:  0 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Gueux Extra Brut

Named for the village of Gueux just 2 km north of the Premier Cru of Vrigny, this Meunier-dominant blend consists of grapes from 2 parcels: Le linguet and Le patenais. The former is a south-east facing parcel of Pinot Noir planted on sandy soils in 2005, and the latter, an east-facing parcel of Meunier and 4 rows of Chardonnay on sandy loam and clay soils. The planting of 4 rows of Chardonnay was, in fact, a mistake on Clemence’s grandpa’s part back in 1965, but the grapes from these rows allow for even more complexity in this refined sparkling wine. Previously sold to negociants, the 2015 vintage is the first thatthe family has vinified and bottled the grapes for themselves.

Gueux Extra Brut is a luxuriously silky Champagne rich with aromas of preserved lemon, almonds and ginger tea and an addictive, lingering salinity on the finish.

Vintage: 2016
Grapes: 75% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir, 5% Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 40 years old
Soils: Sand, sandy loam, clay
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Meunier, pinot noir, and chardonnay are fermented & vinified in tanks and barrels for one year.
Aging: Minimal sulfur is added at bottling. Aged 2 years on the lees

Bottled: September 2017
Disgorged: 6/21
Dosage:  2 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: La Côte des Glaises Champagne

A spectacular zero-zero champagne made exclusively from grapes sourced from the lieu-dit Côte de Glaises, a parcel of clay (glaise) and loam within the borders of Vrigny.

Vintage: 2017
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12.5%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 30 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Fermented with native yeast and no sulfur, maceration on the skins in new barrel from "Tonnellerie de Champagne " 
Aging: No added sulfur, aged 3 years on the lees

Bottled: 2017
Disgorged: 11/21
Dosage:  0 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Blanc de Meuniers Coteaux Champenois

Lesser known than Champagne, yet covering the exact same land area, is the Coteaux Champenois AOC. The family’s Blanc de Meuniers cuvée falls within this rare and sought-after category, a still white wine that captures your attention as easily as the orbit of sparkling wines it keeps company with. The meunier grapes are gently pressed directly after harvest, and present a still life of the Meunier of the domaine. Delicate in weight, pressing in minerality, and expressive of cool climate fruit.

Vintage: 2015
Grapes: Pinot Meunier
Style: White Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 45 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Direct pressed with pneumatic press, then fermented in tank
Aging: Aged for 12 months in Burgundy barrels
Fining or Filtering: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Rosé de Meuniers Coteaux Champenois

This zero-zero Coteaux Champenois Rosé is the family’s first ever attempt at making a still rosé made exclusively Meunier. The Meunier is from two parcels with tiny concentrated clusters, which create highly aromatic Meunier grapes that evoke delightful and surprising notes of high-toned red fruit, watermelon, pomegranate, tarragon, and salinity.

Vintage: 2020
Grapes: Pinot Meunier
Style: Rosé Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 40 years old
Soils: Clay & sandy loam
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Meunier is destemmed, left on the skin for 30 hours then bled off into used barrels.
Aging: 10 months in used barrels

Fining or Filtering: None
SO2 Added: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Rouge de Meuniers Coteaux Champenois

This red wine is a still Pinot Meunier of stunning power. Featuring the dominant variety of the domaine, this bottling is a revelatory expression of the Meunier grape’s ability to weave bold fruit, earthy aromas, and elegant minerality into the resulting wine.

Vintage: 2015
Grapes: Pinot Meunier
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 40 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: fermented with native yeast and with low added sulfur
Aging: 20 months in barrels 

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: La Côte des Glaises Coteaux Champenois

A rich, textured Coteaux Champenois of Chardonnay from grapes grown on a historical lieu-dit parcel of clay (glaise) and loam in Vrigny. This zero-zero experimental cuvée is vinified with native yeasts and no added sulfur or manipulation. Pristine stillness balanced with a mysterious, bottomless depth. Less than 1,000 bottles produced.

Vintage: 2020
Grapes: Chardonnay
Style: White Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 30 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Fermented with native yeast and no sulfur, maceration on the skins in new barrel from "Tonnellerie de Champagne " 
Aging: Aged in barrels for 12 months  

SO2 Added: None

Named for the lunar cycle, this trilogy represents the work of the Lelarge-Pugeot family at its deepest level. These wines are the culmination of the family's work in biodynamics, highlighting their continued experiments in natural vinification (indigenous yeast, zero added sulfur, only natural sugar). Each of these stunners is vinified as Brut Nature and holds its own secrets. We invite you to open your mind and palate to a realm of discovery.

We hope these three champagnes will ignite your curiosity, and we thank you for participating in Lelarge-Pugeot's commitment to donating 5 euros from each bottle ordered to the FIDH (Internationational Federation for Human rights).

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Luna, Volume One

“Life is a flower of which love is the honey.”
-Victor Hugo

Vol. 1 is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a vintage which saw generous sunlight and warmth.

Vintage: 2018
Grapes: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12.5%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 25-50 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation followed by 6 months of aging in tank or barrel before bottling
Aging: Aged 3 years on the lees

Bottled: Spring 2019
Disgorged: 04/22
Dosage:  0 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
So2 added: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Luna, Volume Two

“Le naturel persiste, tel qu’il s’est montré d’abord.”
-Esope

Vol. 2 is a 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A "nothing-added" wine in every sense of the phrase.

Vintage: 2015
Grapes: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12.5%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 25-50 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Spotaneous fermentation followed by 6 months of aging in tank or barrel before bottling
Aging: Aged 5 years on the lees

Bottled: Fall 2016
Disgorged: 04/22
Dosage:  0 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
So2 added: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Luna, Volume Three

“Le contact, c’est l’appréciation des différences.”
-Frederick “Fritz” Perls

Vol. 3 is a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir from a very sunny vintage. A short maceration and 9 mo of barrel-aging are followed by 3 years on the lees, resulting in a wildly complex champagne with aromas of candied strawberry on the nose and a long, rich mineral-driven finish.

Vintage: 2018
Grapes: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12.5%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 25-50 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Spotaneous fermentation followed by 6 months of aging in tank or barrel before bottling
Aging: Aged 3 years on the lees

Bottled: Spring 2016
Disgorged: 04/22
Dosage:  0 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
So2 added: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Raymond Lelarge 1997

Clémence's great-grandfather's version of the domaine's flagship Tradition. 10 years on the lees. disgorged in 2009, 8-10g/L dosage

Vintage: 1997
Grapes: Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Aging: Aged 12 years on the lees

Bottled: Spring 1997
Disgorged: 09/09
Dosage:  8-10 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
So2 added: Minimal

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Raymond Lelarge 1999

~23 years on lees. disgorged in 2019, 3g/L dosage. Sumptuous and gentle, bursting with savory hues.

Vintage: 1997
Grapes: Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Aging: Aged 23 years on the lees

Bottled: Spring 1999
Disgorged: 06/22
Dosage: 3 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
So2 added: Minimal

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Extra Brut Millésimé

Equal parts of old vine meunier, chardonnay, and pinot noir. Citrus and bright acid. 10 years on lees

Vintage: 2005
Grapes: Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 25-50 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Aging: 10 years on the lees

Bottled: Spring 1999
Disgorged: 10/16
Dosage: 3 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
So2 added: Minimal

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Nature et Non Dosé NV

Their first Champagne bottled with zero sulfur and zero dosage. Free of manipulation and additions, this precise and chiselled wine bursts with electric, persistent acidity that vibrates from start to finish. A mouth-watering delight that features aromas of citrus fruit, crisp apple underlined by hints of almond and candied fruit.

Vintage: 2014 Harvest
Grapes: 50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 35 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Aged for 6 months in tank and used Burgundy barrels before bottling
Aging: 20 months on lees in bottle

Bottled: April 2015
Disgorged: April 2017
Dosage:  0 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None
SO2 Added: None

LELARGE-PUGEOT :: Quintessence

‘Lelarge and in charge’ is the name of the game in this monolith of a wine. Made only in the best vintages, the wine has achieved a richness of texture that can be achieved only by patience. A careful selection of grapes from 50 year old vines is vinified with the utmost care before spending over 9 years on the lees for aging. The result is an elegant but powerful wine that blends steely minerality with hints of flowers, white and yellow fruits, and toast. 

Vintage: 2006
Grapes: 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region or Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims
Viticulture: Certified Organic 2014, Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2017
Age of Vines: 50 years old
Soils: Chalk, limestone, clay loam, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Aged for 6 months in foudre before bottling
Aging: 9-10 years on lees in bottle

Bottled: March 2007
Disgorged: November 2016
Dosage: 4 g/L
Fining or Filtering: None