Philippe Lancelot Cramant Extra Brut Grand Cru

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

100% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Extra Brut

Ageing on Lees:

Five years

Price:

$$$

Cellar:

Five to ten years

Category:

Culinary

What

The estate began with Champagne scion Lancelot, who inherited enviable sites in the Côte des Blancs, now farmed organically and biodynamically, originally taking inspiration from Fleury.

Where

Cramant, Côte des Blancs; 4ha, mainly in Cramant, Chouilly and Épernay as well as Oiry, Avize and Aÿ, mainly Chardonnay; organically farmed and Demeter certified biodynamic; this wine comes from 1.25ha planted exclusively with Chardonnay from 1951 to 1989.

Why

This small production of 4,064 bottles is made from especially chalky lieux dits in Cramant and is made with an old-fashioned basket press. Its striking, unique profile, including an Hermès Eau de Cologne with an extra hit of pepper, is not to be missed.

What Else

Lancelot uses aromatherapy to treat the vines, including orange and lemon essential oils and solutions made with comfrey, dandelion and stinging nettle. Very spalike.

Tasting Notes

Super gingery, this has both powdered and fresh ginger, with mace, chervil and pink peppercorn over finger lime fruit: very striking and unique. The pepperiness continues on the palate, though it is subtler, layered in with lovely lime fruit. It remains taut and acid driven throughout, though with a pleasing, plump oiliness on the midpalate. Gorgeous balance. There isn’t a huge degree of yeastiness except on the very finish where there is a hint of digestive biscuit.

Try It With

Southeast Asian dishes with herbal and bright spicy elements

When To Drink

Entrées

Perfect For

Your champagne geek tribe

TL/DR

Striking and esoteric with exquisite balance

Supplier

Omtis