Why it matters
The producer
The vineyard combines traditional Champagne varieties with Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Gris, three grapes that had nearly disappeared from the region. Champagne Jean François Launay is family owned and works across three generations, with the family handling vineyard work, harvesting, vinification, ageing, bottling and marketing.
The house keeps every stage close to the vines. Its range includes a six grape Brut, a Blanc de Blancs built from three white varieties, a Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier cuvée, and a vintage Champagne matured in the cellar.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Venteuil is the house's village in the Marne Valley. The vineyards cover approximately 5.3 hectares. No soil, slope or exposure detail is supplied for the holding, so the place is defined here by its valley setting and vineyard scale.
Wines to know
The range in view
Cuvée de Réserve Brut is composed of Pinot Noir 40%, Chardonnay 30%, Pinot Meunier 15%, Pinot Gris 10%, Petit Meslier 3% and Arbane 2%. It matures for 30 months, includes one third reserve wines and carries a dosage of 6 grams per litre.
Grain de Folie is a Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay, Petit Meslier and Arbane. Les Créateurs combines Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and receives 24 months of élevage. Millésime 2018 is a vintage cuvée with 12% alcohol, long cellar maturation and a place at the table with meat dishes including veal.