Lacuisse Freres

Lacuisse Frères is a family-run house in Sermiers, a Premier Cru village on the Montagne de Reims. Julien Lacuisse and his sons founded the maison in 1960. The family had already been working vines at the start of the 20th century. Another source gives 1966 as the year champagne production began. Since 2002 the business has been an SAS.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The family farms 17 hectares, all of them in Sermiers. The plots include Le Cosson, Pré de Reims, Les Gillemandes, Les Quartiers and Les Presles. The Ferme du Cosson appears on a map from 1786. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grow on clay and flinty sand. The plantings are 70% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay.

Winemaking and cuvées

The estate is certified under Viticulture Durable en Champagne (VDC) and Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). The local cooperative handles the harvest, and the estate itself completes the vinification. At disgorgement the family no longer adds sulphites. The cooperative sulphurs only at pressing, to keep the champagne stable. The champagnes age for at least three years in the cellar.

The range is divided into two lines. The Collection Premium Nature comprises Blanc de Blancs 2020, Sensation Minérale, Vintage Minéral 2016, Blanc de Noirs Minéral and Cosson 2014. The classic line includes Tradition, Grande Réserve, Rosé and a Millésime 2015. The Tradition is mostly Meunier, with Pinot Noir and a little Chardonnay. Gault&Millau rated the Blanc de Blancs 2020 at 88 out of 100 points. The Cosson 2014 received 87 points.

Visiting and tasting

The house welcomes guests in Sermiers, at the Cellier on the Route des vins de Champagne. By their own account, the programme includes an audio-visual presentation, a tour of the vineyard and cellar, and a tasting with matched food. The presentation is available in French, German, English and Spanish. By arrangement, a visit to the cooperative with a tasting of vins clairs is also possible. According to Reims Tourisme, the house is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. At weekends it is wise to book ahead. The address is 13 Route de Damery.