La Belle de Juillet Extra Brut Pur Meunier 2015 Grand Cru

Juillet-Lallement is a small, family-run Champagne house based in Verzy, a prestigious Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims. The domaine has long been known for its dedication to terroir-driven wines, with a focus on Pinot Meunier—a rarity in this region where Pinot Noir dominates. Their meticulous vineyard work, combined with traditional winemaking techniques, results in Champagnes of remarkable depth and expression. La Belle de Juillet Extra Brut Pur Meunier 2015 is a single-vintage, single-varietal Champagne that showcases the unique potential of Meunier when grown in Grand Cru terroir.

The 2015 vintage was warm and generous, producing ripe fruit with excellent balance. Verzy’s chalky soils and cool climate provide structure and minerality, counteracting the natural roundness of Meunier. This Champagne is aged extensively on the lees, adding complexity and texture, while the Extra Brut dosage ensures that purity and freshness remain at the forefront.

Appearance: A luminous pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles. Hints of silver reflect its freshness, while its clarity and brilliance suggest precise winemaking. The mousse is delicate yet lively, creating an elegant visual impression.

Aroma: Expressive and refined, with aromas of baked apple, ripe pear, and white peach. Floral notes of honeysuckle and elderflower add lift, while underlying hints of toasted almond, brioche, and crushed chalk contribute depth. As it opens, subtle citrus zest and a faint touch of honey emerge, enhancing its complexity.

Taste: Vibrant and structured, with a creamy yet precise mousse. The palate is driven by crisp orchard fruit, lemon curd, and a touch of dried apricot. A pronounced minerality adds a saline edge, while fine acidity keeps the wine fresh and energetic. Gentle autolytic notes of toasted hazelnut and biscuit round out the texture, creating a beautifully balanced Champagne.

Finish: Long and mineral-driven, with lingering citrus zest, crushed stone, and a delicate savoury note reminiscent of sea breeze. The Extra Brut style leaves a clean, refreshing impression, allowing the purity of the fruit and terroir to shine through.

Food Pairing: Perfect with oysters and mignonette, where the Champagne’s bracing acidity and saline notes enhance the freshness of the seafood. Also excellent with a truffle-infused mushroom tart, complementing both the wine’s earthy complexity and its fine bubbles. For a unique pairing, try with aged Parmesan, highlighting the Champagne’s nutty and umami characteristics.