Les Terres Jaunes Aurélien Lemaire 2020

Lot presentation

Les Terres Jaunes Aurélien Lemaire 2020

The wine

Located 30 kilometres from Reims, family-run domain Aurélien Lemaire homes their vines on a little less than 20 parcels, which equates to around 5 hectares in total. The owner gives us this Blanc de Blancs champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes that are carefully grown according to environmentally sound principles that are HEV (High Environmental Value) certified. The vines are encouraged to draw the necessary nutrients for their development from the clay and limestone soils located at the bottom of the hill, which are almost yellow in colour - hence the name Les Terres Jaunes.
In the cellar, this philosophy of respecting the terroir endures thanks to healthy and low-intervention vinification. No additives, including sulphur, are introduced at any point in the process, the indigenous yeasts trigger fermentation and the light wine is aged for a year in barrels. Non-dosage, or Brut Nature, this wine has a lovely pale yellow colour with intense fruity and floral notes. More complex hints of sweet spiced and almonds come through on the finish, which is structured by fine bubbles.

A succession of winegrowers has operated on this estate, located some 35 kilometres from Reims and just ten kilometres from Epernay, for over a century. The sole ambition of this family business, passed on from Father to Son, is to produce exceptional Champagnes that reflect the terroir and environment they cherish so dearly. The vineyard consists of five hectares of vines, distributed over 18 different plots, each with its own distinct features, resulting in cuvées offering a rich and varied aromatic profile. With the conviction that producing great wines requires a balanced approach in the vineyard, Aurélien has adopted environmentally friendly viticultural practices. The vineyard holds the French Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value) certification. The winemaker is committed to preserving the unique character of his terroir, and to producing Champagnes of the highest quality. His winemaking methods are traditional, with little intervention. This is undoubtedly how Aurélien Lemaire’s Champagnes contribute to the worldwide reputation of France’s wine heritage.