Why it matters
The producer
Champagne Fernand Lemaire is a Vigneron indépendant, an independent grower status that places vineyard work and wine production within one house. It also holds Haute valeur environnementale certification and the Vignobles et découvertes designation. The range covers Brut, Blanc de Blancs, rosé and demi sec formats.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Hautvillers is the village address for the house, at 88 rue des Buttes. The site is planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, giving the house the three main Champagne grape varieties used across white, rosé and demi sec cuvées.
Wines to know
The range in view
Tradition Brut is the house's Brut cuvée and uses 100% Premier Cru grapes. Blanc de Blancs Brut is made entirely from Chardonnay. Tradition Rosé Brut brings the rosé format, while Tradition Demi Sec uses 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 33% Meunier. The range moves by grape, color and sweetness, from Brut and Chardonnay only to rosé and demi sec.
Tradition Brut is light golden yellow, with fine bubbles and a fresh, delicate mousse. Apricot and peach meet brioche and mineral notes from chalky limestone soil. Blanc de Blancs Brut has an expressive nose of white flowers and citrus fruit. Tradition Rosé Brut shows pastel pink color with light salmon hues and lively effervescence. Tradition Demi Sec is soft and round, with generous fruit notes.