# Clos des Demoiselles Tête de Cuvée Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** Domaine J. Laurens
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 6–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, peach, lemon, blossom, brioche, toast, butter, biscuit, honey, almond

## About this wine

Domaine J. Laurens is situated in the Limoux region of Languedoc, an area famous for producing the world's first sparkling wines, dating back to 1531 at the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire. Re-established in the 1980s and later modernized, the estate specializes solely in high-quality sparkling wines. 'Clos des Demoiselles' is their flagship Tête de Cuvée, named in honor of the ladies of Limoux. It represents a selection of the finest parcels of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Noir, showcasing the unique terroir where Atlantic and Mediterranean climatic influences converge.

## Interesting facts

- Limoux is historically recognized as the birthplace of sparkling wine, predating Champagne by more than a century.
- The cuvée 'Clos des Demoiselles' is named as a tribute to the elegant women of the Limoux region.
- Domaine J. Laurens focuses exclusively on sparkling wines, a rarity in the Languedoc region.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and fine effervescence of this Crémant act as a palate cleanser, cutting through rich, buttery, or fried foods. The subtle autolytic notes pair beautifully with seafood, poultry, and light cheeses, while the dry style requires avoiding overly sweet dishes.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo immediate gentle pressing. Crafted using the Méthode Traditionnelle, primary fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The blend is then bottled for the secondary fermentation. It is aged on its lees in the cellar for a minimum of 18 to 24 months, which far exceeds the legal minimum for Crémant de Limoux, allowing the wine to develop its signature autolytic complexity before disgorgement and a light Brut dosage.