# Premier Cru Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** Locret-Lachaud
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 5–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, almond, white flowers, vanilla, butter, warm bread, brioche, dried apricot, hazelnut

## About this wine

Locret-Lachaud Premier Cru Brut is a non-vintage Champagne from the Champagne region of France, produced by the family-owned winery Locret-Lachaud. The grapes are sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in Hautvillers, a village known for its early sunrise. The blend is composed of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The winery is a Récoltant-manipulant, meaning they cultivate their own grapes and produce their own wine, a tradition upheld by the fourth generation of the Locret family, with roots tracing back to the 18th century.

## Interesting facts

- Locret-Lachaud is a Récoltant-manipulant, meaning they grow their own grapes and make their own wine.
- Hautvillers is nicknamed 'Le Point du Jour' for its early sunrise.
- The estate has a history of grape growing dating back to the 18th century.
- The current manager is the fourth generation of the Locret family.

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced acidity and full body make it versatile. Its minerality and subtle notes complement the briny character of shellfish, while its richness can stand up to creamy sauces and delicate white meats.

## Wine making process

Locret-Lachaud Premier Cru Brut is produced using the first pressing of the grapes. Fermentation occurs in a mix of barrels, concrete, and stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 48 months on its lees, followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle. The grapes are sourced from the producer's own Premier Cru vineyards in Hautvillers.