It happens, from time to time, that the small rectangle of land that gives birth to a very specific wine enters the myth. This happens, almost by right, when we talk about Grand Crus, the apex for quality of an area suited to the vine. But often, not even this particular sign on the identity card is enough. To enter the legend, in fact, sometimes you need an extra "touch". There is a need for a unique story, a noble heritage, and an importance that cannot be found anywhere else.
But what exactly are they? When we refer to them, our gaze turns to precisely identified plots, defined to millimetres within their boundaries - most of the time since the dawn of time. So much so that there are many legends about them, the result of rumours passed down from hearsay, nebulous legacy of rural customs that today have vanished in their essence, but not in a legacy that is still being renewed, albeit in different forms. One of the most appreciated expressions of this legacy are the Champagnes Lieux-Dits. They are multiform and peculiar stories of the most sparkling territory in the world: the Champagne region.
There are a total of six Champagnes Lieux-Dits shaped by the hands of Anselme Selosse. According to the Domaine, as well as of many fans of the genre, Jacques Selosse Champagne Blanc de Blancs Les Carelles expresses the top of the Chardonnay of the Grand Cru of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger: a label ready to offer a taste experience of an addicting immersion between the most suitable vineyards of the Côte des Blancs.
From the same magical terroir in all its majesty, Pierre Péters Champagne Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons sees light: a rare Blanc de Blancs elaborated only in the best vintages and where - in absolute balance - elegance, power and delicacy coexist. In this specific case the Lieu-Dit involved there "vieilles vignes": they are the most historical among the Domaine's plots, pampered by Rodolphe Péters.
Bérêche & Fils Champagne Extra Brut Le Cran, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from two historic old vineyards located in a village on the edge of the Montagne de Reims, is the result of a revolution, both in the field and in the winery. A label created by a producer aware that today it is necessary to look with modern sensitivity at the precious legacy of ancestral techniques.
Same origin, but different grapes harvested within a little more than one hectare of Verzenay's Grand Cru for Hugues Godmé Champagne Extra Brut Les Champs Saint Martin: an elegant Blanc de Noirs, in the name of the utmost naturalness and sustainability, where you can rediscover all the passion and balance that has distinguished this family of Vignerons for five generations.
The first traces of the presence in Bouzy of another historic family of producers - the Paillards – go back to the 18th century. Today, after eight successive generations of vineyards, this Grand Cru de la Montagne de Reims is an unmistakable and unique aura of the Domaine's style. Even more, when we talk about Pierre Paillard Champagne Extra Brut Les Mottelettes: unusual Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Lieu-Dit fruit of the same-name plot, made of Chardonnay grapes on the ground, traditionally meant to host the Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir, however, gives its sinuous forms to Perseval-Farge Champagne Brut Nature La Pucelle: a plot cuvée that is the perfect expression of a terroir - Premier Cru of Chamery -, and the most prestigious of the six plots that shape the identity of this centuries-old family Domaine.
It is a more recent evolution, the one that led to the birth of the line which is part of Jacquesson Champagne Extra Brut Avize - Champ Caïn. One of the four prestigious Champagne Lieux-Dits make up the dedicated range, by Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet brothers, to specific plots. A label born in a plot of just over a hectare, where you can find all the elegance and freshness of Chardonnay that grows on that chalky soil, characterizing, identifying and qualifying Côte des Blancs and its Grand Cru Avize.
Deutz Champagne Hommage à William Deutz "Meurtet" celebrates a historic plot located in an area particularly suited to the cultivation of Pinot Noir (the homonymous lieu-dit a Aÿ) and the founder of the Maison back in 1838 (William Deutz) at the same time. A harmonious creation, coming out of the cylinder of the chef de cave Michel Davesne, to reaffirm the style and class of a brand symbol among the greats in the category.
Another prestigious Champagne Lieu-Dit concludes this roundup with the most natural and pure exclusivity: Leclerc Briant Champagne Les Basses Prières is the result of a micro-plot of only 0.17 hectares in Hautvillers, from which less than 2,000 bottles are obtained: 100% Pinot Noir, no dosage, unique in its nuances.
Discover the selection of GLUGULP's Lieux-Dits Champagnes here!