Jacques Lassaigne

In the 1970s, Jacques Lassaigne focused on producing still wines of the vin nature de la Champagne category, which was later renamed coteaux champenois. It was only in the 1980s that he began creating sparkling wines. Jacques’ son, Emmanuel Lassaigne, after nine years working in the machine industry, returned to Montgueux in 1999. His debut cuvee was released in 2002. It was Emmanuel who put the Montgueux subregion on the Champagne wine map, becoming the most successful winemaker in the area — especially considering that only 15% of local grape growers produce wines under their own label. The family owns 3.5 hectares of vineyards and additionally purchases harvest from 2 hectares. A particular pride is the lease of 0.4 hectares of the unique Clos Sainte-Sophie. Historically, it is known that exactly 100 vines from this clos were the first vitis vinifera vines imported to Japan in 1877. The winery avoids using pesticides and mineral fertilizers, applying only sulfur and copper sulfate against mildew. The interrows maintain natural grass cover, which is only pressed down but not plowed. However, the family does not consider themselves strict adherents of organic or biodynamic winemaking. The main line consists of 100% Chardonnay, with the exception of Les Papilles Insolites — a single-varietal Pinot Noir. Experimental cuvées éphémère series are also produced. Each plot is vinified separately. Most cuvees are released in the zero dosage style.