Domaine Lagille Grande Réserve Brut

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

80% Meunier; 20% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Brut (2.8g/L)

Ageing on Lees:

41 months

Price:

$$

Cellar:

Up to five years

Category:

Culinary

What

A Meunier specialist from Treslon at the northern edge of the Montagne de Reims, growers since 1818.

Where

Treslon, western Montagne de Reims; 7.2ha, 95% in Treslon; 55% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, in conversion to organic from 2019.

Why

This is the only blended cuvée in their range, which is otherwise made up of pure Meunier bottlings, and mainly comes from the lieu dit La Garenne. It is the estate’s historical cuvée, with a classic blend of roughly 1/3 each Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, all from Treslon. Its character is extremely Meunier, however, showing volume and generosity, but with balancing acidity from the calcareous clay soils here, and it ages a remarkable (for an entry-level cuvée) five years on lees.

What Else

The single-vineyard Meunier bottlings’ labels are a delightful reimagining of the critter label genre, including one showing a sheep with a barrel for a torso, and are impressively affordable for single-site champagne.

Tasting Notes

The style is very toasty and rich, its baked apple fruit wrapped in ginger biscuit and toasted brioche and enriched with nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom. The richness continues on the palate, where the malty sarsaparilla and browned pastry notes dominate the fruit, though the apple re-emerge on the back. The shape is rounded, without any protruding acidity, though the acidity does balance the heft and oily texture quite well. It finishes very generous but harmonious, with a long, toasty finish.

Try It With

Gorgeously lush korma or makhani

When To Drink

After dinner

Perfect For

Your friend who loves Krug but not its price point

Tatler Tip

This is such a good deal and tastes much more expensive than the bottle would necessarily imply; if your company is snotty, serve it to them blind to avoid having them dismiss it out of hand.

TL/DR

Toasty, rich and harmonious

Supplier

Deco Wines