Cremant de Limoux Les Graimenous 2018, Domaine J Laurens

This is Cellar Selected’s ‘go to’ House fizz, and a better bet than ‘cheap’ Champagne at this price. A deliciously fruity yet dry ‘méthode champagne’ sparkler, with bright and citrusy flavour. Stylish and elegant.

60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac.

The Limoux is extremely windy: the Vent Cers from the Atlantic and the warm Vent Narin from the Mediterranean blow through the vineyards, assisting the ‘reasoned agriculture’ viticulture. The soil in the area is rocky with clay, sandstone and limestone, creating distinct terroir throughout the region and clay composition in the soil. Vines are hand harvested as prescribed by the AOC Limoux regulations. This Chardonnay based Cremant de Limoux (as opposed to a Mauzac dominated Blanquette de Limoux) is made using the ‘méthode traditionnelle’. First fermentation is in stainless steel vats to control the temperature with the secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then allowed to rest on lees for a minimum of twelve months before disgorgement, with a further fifteen months in bottle before release.