2018 Champagne R&L Legras Mont-Aigu Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

R&L Legras Mont-Aigu Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018

The Mont-Aigu is one of the best plots of R&L Legras in Chouilly, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs. This cuvée comes from a single specific vineyard and is only produced in years when the quality is high enough. This makes it a more pronounced and characterful Champagne than the house's regular Blanc de Blancs.

The 2018 comes from a warm and sunny year. This results in more ripe fruit and a slightly fuller style, while the chalky soils of Chouilly provide freshness and structure. The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay and clearly demonstrates how terroir and vintage come together.

Taste profile of Mont-Aigu 2018

The ripeness of the vintage is immediately apparent on the nose. Aromas of ripe apple, citrus, peach, and a hint of pineapple are complemented by brioche, toasted almond, and a light honey note. At the same time, a fresh, mineral line remains present, keeping the wine in balance.

On the palate, the wine is fuller and rounder than the basic cuvée. The mousse is soft and integrated. The acidity is still present, but slightly riper and less sharp than in cooler years. The finish is long, with a distinct chalky minerality and a subtle toast note that lingers.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The grapes for Mont-Aigu are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. After gentle pressing, fermentation follows, preserving freshness and purity. The wine then ages sur lie in the cellar for several years, which contributes to complexity and texture.

The longer bottle aging imparts the wine its notes of brioche, nuts, and light toast. At the same time, the structure remains tight due to the natural acidity of Chardonnay and the chalk in the soil. Dosage has been kept low to allow the wine to retain its dry, precise style.

Single vineyard Champagne from Chouilly

While many Champagnes are blends from various villages and plots, this Mont-Aigu comes from a single vineyard. This provides a clearer picture of the specific location. Chouilly is known for its elegant and slightly rounder style among the Grand Cru villages, but Mont-Aigu adds extra depth and concentration.

The combination of a warm year and a strong terroir makes this 2018 more accessible in its youth, but still suitable for further aging. It offers both immediate drinking pleasure and sufficient structure for the future.

Food and wine pairings with Mont-Aigu Blanc de Blancs

Thanks to its slightly richer style, this Champagne is versatile at the table. It pairs well with scallops, lobster, grilled fish, and poultry with a creamy sauce. Dishes with mushrooms, truffle, or light buttery preparations also complement the brioche notes beautifully.

Serve at around 10 to 12 degrees in a large glass to allow the aromatic complexity to fully come into its own.

Would you like to order R&L Legras Mont-Aigu 2018 online?

The R&L Legras Mont-Aigu Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018 is an interesting choice for lovers of single vineyard Champagne with a little more ripeness and depth. Order this Champagne easily online at Grandcruwijnen. Pick-up in Dordrecht is possible, and our sommeliers will be happy to advise you on the perfect time to drink and suitable dishes.