Champagne Juillet-Lallement Brut Sélection Review
Spread across two appellations, both classified as Grand Cru, the average age of their vines is 40 years, but they still harvest a block planted in 1949. They grow 45% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier on chalky subsoil.
Wine review by: Jessyca Frederick |
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About this Wine
Wine: NV Brut Sélection
Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay (35% reserve wine)
Dosage: 8 g/L
Region: Grand Cru Verzy and Sillery (Montagne de Reims), Champagne, France
Retail price: $50
I consumed it: November 2022
My source: The Champagne Club by Wine Access
Discover More
From this wine club: The Champagne Club by Wine Access
From this winery: Champagne Juillet-Lallement
Wine color/style: Sparkling wine
Grape variety or blend: Champagne
Tasting notes: Ginger cookies, Cinnamon, Creamy, Apple, Pear
Other characteristics: My favorites, Grower, Lutte raisonee, Grand cru
Brut Sélection: What I think
The Juillet-Lallement estate measures slightly less than 10 acres, spread across two appellations, both classified as Grand Cru. The average age of their vines is 40 years, but they still harvest a block planted in 1949. They grow 45% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier on chalky subsoil. The farming practice is “lutte raisonée” — not specifically organic, but typically avoidant of chemical interventions in the vineyard.
I absolutely loved this Juillet-Lallement and would call it my new favorite (previously NV Pol Roger Réserve Brut), but when I wrote this there were only five wine stores in the US that carried it, so it’s not like I’ll be drinking much of it. Which is a shame.
I found the nose was subtle ginger cookies and cinnamon. It was mild and balanced, creamy in the mid-palate with notes of apple and pear as it reached the back of my mouth. I enjoyed the mysteriously long finish, of depth and complexity. What I especially loved was that it was not yeasty or tart the way most Champagnes tend to be (one or the other, not usually both).
Last updated: August 2, 2023
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