The Lelarge family has farmed in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny in the Montagne de Reims since 1799 and has been bottling Champagne under their own name since 1930; today, the seventh and eighth generations work just 8.7 hectares across 42 distinct parcels. The estate is organically farmed and Demeter-certified biodynamic, with Pinot Meunier at the center of the program: 4.4 hectares are devoted to it, including parcels planted in 1934.
Lelarge-Pugeot “Tradition” is a multi-vintage, Meunier-led Premier Cru Champagne with a cépage of 50% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay. Average age of the vines exceed 30 years old. Fermented spontaneously and 10 months on fine lees in a mix of foudre, barrel, and stainless steel. The wine was bottled in July 2022 and aged another 16 months sur lie before its final November 2023 disgorgement. No dosage is added. Pure transparency in the glass. Ripe green and yellow apple, D’Anjou pear, lemon blossom, dried apricot, and chamomile, with brioche, toasted almond, cardamom, and nutmeg behind it. The finish is brisk, refreshing, lightly chalky, and salty enough to keep the wine moving—watch how quickly the first bottle disappears.
Why You'll Love It
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This is real grower Champagne: family-grown fruit from 42 small 1er Cru Vrigny parcels.
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Meunier gives it an extra gear of orchard fruit, floral lift, and supple texture, while Pinot Noir and Chardonnay keep it structured and bright.
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Zero dosage, native fermentation, and reserve wines stretching back to 2017 gives the wine transparency and tremendous depth.
How To Serve It
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Serve at 46–50°F in a tulip Champagne stem or a small white-wine glass. Give it five minutes, then taste again.
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Start with oysters, gougères, or Comté; keep it on the table for fried chicken, roast chicken, mushroom tart, pork with apples, or richer sushi.
