J. Lassalle, "Préference" Brut 1er Cru
Staff Pick

J. Lassalle, "Préference" Brut 1er Cru - NV

Item # 29946 750mL

Jules Lassalle established this family-owned Champagne house in 1942 in the village of Chigny-Les-Roses on the Montagne de Reims. His daughter and granddaughter, Chantal and Angéline, now run the domaine, following the same strictly-traditional standards Jules established. They use the same wooden basket press he installed in the winery over fifty years ago, pressing and vinifying the individual plots separately. It is one of the rare Champagnes that has been allowed to finish its malolactic fermentation, just like the great whites from the Côte d’Or. Every bottle is riddled by hand, and all cuvées are aged extensively once in bottle. This traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir is best for luxuriant dishes, like lobster bisque baked en croûte.

$53.99/ Single Bottle
$647.88 $615.49/ Case of 12
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Staff Pick Notes

J. Lassalle is a third-generation, family-run grower/producer established in the 1940s. For the last two generations it has been entirely female run under the banner “une femme, un esprit, un style” (one woman, one spirit, one style). The Brut “Cuvée Préférence” premier cru is my go-to for a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing Champagne, which I believe outperforms many of the larger house Champagnes in the same price point. Coming from over 50-year-old vines in over 13 premier cru hectares, this richer style of Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, the levels of which change each year with conditions. It's been allowed to finish malolactic fermentation and was aged on the lees for 48 months. Perfect for richer fare or even on its own, I never regret opening a bottle!

- HW

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