Aurélien Lurquin. A name still very much under the radar, yet increasingly recognised among discerning enthusiasts seeking wines that respect both grape and soil. Based in Romery, in the Vallée de la Marne, the winemaker’s estate is modest in size, covering just 2.3 hectares. Quality clearly takes precedence over quantity. His work draws together?–?with talent and conviction?–?the vitality of the vines, the mineral pulse of the land and the life forces unique to each terroir. The result? Emotionally engaging wines with real presence and poise.
Barely 2,000 bottles of both still and sparkling wines are produced each year, crafted from iconic Champagne varieties: predominantly Pinot Noir (40%), followed by Chardonnay (35%), Pinot Meunier (24%) and the rare Petit Meslier (1%). Part of his production is also sold to trade. If you have yet to discover these wines, don’t wait too long! This confidential estate has already caused quite a stir at auction, fetching some truly sky-high prices!
Aurélien is also a member of the association “Des pieds et des vins”, which aims to highlight terroir-driven Champagnes produced in the same thoughtful spirit as those of Sélosse, Lahaye, Vouette, Agrapart and Sorbée.

Aurélien Lurquin’s cuvée Saignée de Meunier is a rosé Champagne made from 100% Pinot Meunier grapes. The vines, some 30 to 40 years old, grow on a terroir composed mainly of clay-limestone soils, offering a unique minerality. The grapes are hand-picked to ensure optimum raw material quality. The saignée (bleeding) method involves leaving the grape skins to macerate for 24 to 48 hours, giving the juice its intense pink colour and concentrated aromas. Fermentation is triggered naturally with native yeasts in old oak casks, followed by ageing on fine lees for several months without any added sulphur. The Champagne is not dosed to preserve the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.
On the nose, it reveals complex aromas of red fruit and black cherry combined with floral notes and hints of spice. On the palate, this cuvée has a silky texture, a lovely liveliness and remarkable length, marked by a fine bitterness and lingering minerality.