Why it matters
The producer
Jean Lallement blends the cuvées himself. The family house was founded at the beginning of the twentieth century by three associates. Pierre Lallement succeeded Arthur Lallement in 1963 and developed the estate's vinification and wine sales. He joined Club Trésors de Champagne in 1973, then handed responsibility to his son Jean around 2003. The current names listed for the house are Jean and Virginie Lallement.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Northern exposure and cool winds in the Montagne de Reims help preserve acidity in the wines. The domaine is in Verzy, 18 kilometres from Reims, with vineyards divided between Verzy and Sillery. Both villages are classified 100% Grand Cru. In Champagne, Grand Cru is a village classification, so the designation identifies the origin of the grapes rather than a single vineyard.
Wines to know
The range in view
Brut Sélection Grand Cru combines 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from Verzy and Sillery. One third of the blend is reserve wine, and the dosage is 8 g/l. Dosage is the sugar added after disgorgement to set the wine's final balance; 8 g/l places the cuvée in the dry Brut range. The wine is fresh and balanced, with citrus and white flower aromas. Reserve wines can add breadth to a blend by bringing older base wine into the final cuvée.