Lasseaux

The story of Maison Lasseaux begins in La Neuville-aux-Larris, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, with Claire Simone Geoffroy, grandmother of the current owners. The third generation is run by the brothers Baptiste and Vincent Lasseaux. Vincent looks after export and the digital side of the business, Baptiste the vineyard and the cellar. The house chronicle gives 1956 as the year the first bottles were sold under the name "Champagne Jean Lasseaux". The house itself gives 1970 as its founding year. Since 2010 it has traded as "Champagne Lasseaux et Fils".

Vineyards and way of working

The vineyards lie in the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park, about 18 km north-west of Épernay. The estate points to the chalk subsoil and south-facing slopes as the basis for its Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The wines come exclusively from the estate's own sustainably farmed grapes on 4 hectares (the house's figure). Another source gives 6.5 hectares, of which 1.70 hectares are worked under contract for others. The estate is certified under Viticulture Durable en Champagne and HVE level 3. At one point it was in conversion to organic. The wines age for at least 36 months.

The cuvées

The profile is shaped by Meunier. Pôle Position (Brut) and Pôle Position Rosé are made from 100% Meunier, as is the Rosé de Saignée Triple Couronne. The vintage Match Play brings together 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Meunier. Flèches d'Argent is a pure Chardonnay and is regarded as the house's flagship. Circuit Boisé (60% Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir) is aged "sous bois" in oak barrels made from oaks grown in the surrounding area. The names come from motor racing. The wines have won awards including bronze at the IWSC 2020 (Pole Position Rosé) and at Decanter 2018 (Pole Position Brut).

Visiting and tasting

The house welcomes small and large groups all year round for tastings, tours of the press house and even a hand in the vineyard. The estate is about 20 km from Reims and 15 km from Épernay, so you will need a car. The address is 27 Route du Paradis, 51480 La Neuville-aux-Larris.