Jacques Lassaigne

'Cotet' Champagne NV

Emmanuel Lassaigne has been managing his father’s label since 1999. Based in Montgueux the Aube region of Champagne, this is a petite estate of 4.7ha (3.5ha owned, the rest is leased). Montgueux is special in that its soil carries the same chalky vein as seen in the Côte des Blancs, so although the Aube is better known for its Meunier grapes, the Lassaigne estate is entirely Chardonnay. All parcels are vinified separately, wines are disgorged by hand, and zero dosage is added. Le Cotet is a non-vintage cuvée from 40-year-old vines planted on a single, steep, chalky vineyard of the same name. Like all of Emmanuel’s wines, only indigenous yeasts are used. The grapes undergo malolactic fermentation and are aged in new and used barrels for 12 to 24 months prior to the secondary ferment.