The 2018 Marie Lancelot cuvée from Lancelot Pienne champagne embodies the purity and elegance of the Grand Cru terroir of Cramant. A true reflection of the Côte des Blancs, this vintage Blanc de Blancs is made from old Chardonnay vines rooted in chalky soil, giving the wine salinity, finesse, and vibrant energy. A sunny and harmonious vintage, 2018 gives this cuvée a delicate aromatic richness, supported by a mineral tension of rare precision.
The production of Marie Lancelot 2018 champagne
The Marie Lancelot cuvée, named in honor of a family figure, is the emblematic expression of the Grand Cru terroir of Cramant.
- Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru.
- Vintage: 2018, a sunny and generous year.
- Aging: 10 months in stainless steel vats, then 60 months in chalk cellars.
- Dosage: 2.2 g/L (Extra-Brut).
- Disgorging: at least 6 months before release.
The terroir of Cramant
Cramant, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, is a world-renowned Grand Cru. The Lancelot Pienne family's vines draw their character from chalky terroirs spread across several localities: Gouttes d'Or, Crayères, Moyen du Couchant, Buzons, Bouron, and Porgeon. These soils, combined with vines that are over 50 years old, give the wine a refined minerality, a salty tension, and great length.
Vinification
The grapes are vinified by locality in small temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (10 to 20 hl) at 18°C, allowing for precise fermentation management. Malolactic fermentation is partial, in order to preserve the natural freshness of the Chardonnay while adding a touch of roundness. Bottling took place in July 2018.
The 2018 vintage in Champagne
2018 is considered a blessed year in Champagne. After a rainy winter and a favorable spring, the hot, dry summer allowed the grapes to ripen exceptionally well. The harvest yielded berries that were both rich in sugar and balanced in acidity, resulting in generous, fruity wines with great precision. For Cramant Chardonnay, 2018 translates into a harmony between fullness, tension, and salinity, enhanced by extended aging in the cellar.
Tasting notes
Color
Marie Lancelot 2018 champagne has a light gold color with luminous highlights, enlivened by a fine and persistent effervescence, heralding freshness and elegance.
Nose
The nose opens with a chalky, salty minerality typical of Cramant. Aromas of fresh white flowers and crisp pear bring delicacy and purity. With aeration, toasted and slightly buttery nuances enrich the bouquet.
Palate
The palate is distinguished by its finesse and tension, the signature of chalky terroirs. Vibrant and creamy at the same time, it offers superb saline length, supported by notes of white fruit, pear, and a touch of candied citrus. The persistent finish underscores the precision and energy of this vintage.
Food pairing suggestions
- Fine oysters
- Sea bass or sea bream sashimi
- Mini blinis with salmon and lemon cream
- Roasted lobster with beurre blanc
- Pan-fried scallops with citrus fruits
- Green asparagus risotto
- Lemon meringue pie
- Pavlova with white fruits
- Citrus granita
Storage and serving tips
Storing this champagne
Store the un-corked bottle of Marie Lancelot 2018 lying down in a dark, cool cellar at a stable temperature (40-54°F). This Chardonnay from Cramant, aged on lees in a chalk cellar, will develop beautifully over the years.
Aging potential
Already superb today, this champagne has an aging potential of 8 to 12 years. With time, it will develop more complex aromas of dried fruit, toasted hazelnut, and brioche, while retaining its saline tension.
Serving suggestions
Serve this champagne between 9 and 11°C, in tulip or white wine glasses, to reveal its aromatic complexity and texture. Its mineral and taut profile makes it an ideal companion for haute cuisine dishes.
