Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
375ml * Vegan * 12.5% ABV * Champagne, France
The Lété-Vautrain Champagne House was created in the 1960s at Château-Thierry, by Robert Lété and Liliane Vautrain, his wife. In 2011, the estate was taken over by the Baron-Fuenté Family, also from the Marne Valley. Grapes are hand harvested from the vines (on limestone slopes) and sorted and then pressed in a very cool room so that no early fermentation happens before the winemaker wants it to! The resultant Champagne is light and very easy to drink; an elegant, harmonious blend, full of character and maturity.
It is no surprise that fruity Pinot Meunier makes up 50% of the award-winning Lété-Vautrain Brut 204 blend, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay splitting the other half. Three years of cellar age results in a full-bodied and well-balanced champagne. It is characteristic of the 7.5-hectare vineyard of sand and clay soils where the Baron-Fuenté Family strive towards more environmentally respectful practices year on year.
The translucent, deep golden hue gives way to a fresh and elegant nose, followed by succulent notes of peach and apricot. The palate is characterised by intense notes of apple and peach accompanying its beautifully fresh and balanced taste. The finish is long with hints of dried fruits. It makes for an excellent aperitif champagne, yet also complements shellfish, crab and lobster beautifully.
Awards:
2021 – Berliner Wein Trophy – Gold Medal
2020 – Gault & Millau – 15/20
2019 – James Suckling – 90/100 points