J Laurens 'les Graimenous' Limoux Vintage 2024

$29.99

OK, we also love Champagne but not always the price.  This stunning 2024 Limoux release tells us there are alternatives and by goodness, this is one!

Chardonnay 60%, Chenin 30% & Mauzac 5% 

The wine on which Domaine J.Laurens built it’s reputation and a delicious and serious alternative to Champagne. In the glass, this Crémant is brilliant with a lively fizz. Bright and citrusy, with just a hint of yeasty savouriness overlaying the lovely fruit.

The Limoux is extremely windy: the Vent Cers from the Atlantic and the warm Vent Narin from the Mediterranean blow through the vineyards, assisting the domaine's ‘reasoned agriculture’ approach to viticulture. The soil in the area is rocky with clay, sandstone and limestone, creating a distinct terroir across the region. Vines are hand harvested as prescribed by the AOC Limoux regulations. This Chardonnay-based Crémant de Limoux (as opposed to a Mauzac-dominated Blanquette de Limoux) is made using the 'méthode traditionnelle'. First fermentation is in stainless steel vats to control the temperature with the secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then allowed to rest on lees for a minimum of twelve months before disgorgement, with a further fifteen months in bottle before release.

Traditional method with two fermentations with first a delicate and progressive pneumatic pressing. 1st alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the second one in bottle. Aging on lies: 12 months minimum. Subtil final dosage after disgorgement. LABEL: Les Graimenous is the name of the area where Domaine J.Laurens is located, it’s means ‘’wild grass’’ in Occitan. (of language from the South of France).

Domaine J.Laurens has been officially HVE3 certified since the beginning of 2021. In 2022 they began organic conversion in parts of their plots and this conversion is ongoing. Controlled low yields, selective manual harvesting, rapid transport of the grapes in perforated crates to avoid any oxidation, and non-aggressive pneumatic pressing ensure a healthy, high-quality harvest and very pure base sparkling wines.

"Always a solid choice, this Crémant is the flagship sparkling of Domaine J. Laurens in Limoux. It's full of citrus freshness, lemon and grapefruit twining through the mouth,while also offering a little richness of sweet pastry and brioche. The texture is more lean and sherbety than opulent, but the mousse still fills the mouth pleasantly and carries apple and stone fruit notes on a wave to the finish" Decanter