The golden color twirls on the light amber whose fine bubbles deliver sensual aromas to the top in a rhythmic ballet. The partition of aromas of confitured quince, dried apricot with a touch of roasted hazelnut is in tune with the aromatic youth of a white fruit combined with the wisdom of its compote. A round, slightly winey mouth giving it this delicacy initially detected but. Once tasted, the aromas and their emotions still sound for a few measures.
80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir
Gilles Lancelot is a member of Les Artisans du Champagne, one of the more elite of the bands of growers in Champagne. Gilles farms 22 acres of vines, more or less the same as his friend Jean-Marc over in Pierry. Gilles’ base is in Cramant, and his 55 parcels are spread along the northern sector of the Côte des Blancs, dip into the Côteaux Sud d’Epernay, and reach into the Marne Valley. The varietal breakdown is 60% Chardonnay, 30% Meunier, and 10% Pinot Noir. The oldest vines are 60 years old and the average is 40. As with everything, Gilles is careful with his labels, and each back label is concise with information specific to its cuvée. Annual production averages 70,000 bottles, or just south of 6,000 cases.