Why it matters
The producer
At Clos du Mont Dorin, Champagne Léguillette-Romelot works a dedicated parcel for heritage Champagne grapes alongside the classic varieties used in its cuvées. The family-led house is based in Charly-sur-Marne, manages approximately 20 acres and produces roughly 40,000 bottles annually.
Hand harvesting, careful canopy management and low intervention viticulture are standard. The estate holds Haute Valeur Environnementale certification and the Vignobles & Découvertes label.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Charly-sur-Marne is the house's home in the Marne Valley. The family history reaches back to the Aisne valley, where the Romelot family planted its first vines. From this village address, the producer makes cuvées using Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Petit Meslier, Chardonnay and Arbanne.
The estate's ground is clay limestone. Clay can hold moisture, while limestone can drain excess water through the soil. Together, those materials can give vines access to water without leaving the root zone saturated.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The vines average 40 years of age. Hand harvesting protects bunch quality at the point of picking, while canopy management controls the leaves and fruit around each bunch. Low intervention viticulture keeps the farming approach simple and direct.
For Cépages d'Autrefois, fermentation uses native yeast in stainless steel. The cuvée ages 36 months on lees with dosage of approximately 6 g/L. Lees are spent yeast cells, and extended contact can add texture and savoury depth to sparkling wine. Dosage is the small addition made after disgorgement, and the level here remains low.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes Cépages d'Autrefois Millésime, Notes Noires, Symphonie Millésime Brut, Orchestrale Extra Brut, Nuances Rosé Brut, Festival Brut and Notes Blanches Blanc de Blancs. Symphonie Millésime Brut carries the 2016 vintage.
The 2018 Cépages d'Autrefois blends 59% Pinot Meunier, 18% Pinot Blanc, 15% Pinot Noir, 5% Petit Meslier, 2% Chardonnay and 1% Arbanne. Orchestrale Extra Brut uses 55% Meunier, 37% Pinot Blanc, 3% Petit Meslier, 3% Pinot Noir, 1% Arbanne and 1% Chardonnay.