Lelarge-Pugeot

Luna Volume 3 Brut Nature

Named for the lunar cycle so critical to biodynamic farming, this unique Champagne trilogy represents the culmination of the Lelarge-Pugeot family's efforts to reveal their terroir. Each of the three Luna cuvées highlight a different aspect of their ongling experiments in seeking a 'natural' vinification for the notoriously interventionist Champenois Methode. Working with indigenous yeast, no added sulfur, and only natural sugars, each of these vivid wines is of course brut nature, sans-dosage. They shake up the beautiful tedium of classical Champagne. And Lelarge-Pugeot is generously donating five euros from each bottle sold to the FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights).

Vol. 1 is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the 2018 vintage, a year of generous sunlight and warmth with three years' secondary fermentation. Vol. 2 is also a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but from the 2015 vintage and boasting five and a half years of secondary fermentation in bottle on the lees after an extended one year period of primary fermentation and ageing in tank and barrel. And Vol. 3, a rosé!, is a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir from sunny 2018. It sees a short maceration followed by nine months of barrel aging before a secondary fermentation of over three years in the bottle on the lees.

These are zero/zero Champagnes: biodynamic 1er cru estate fruit, spontaneous indigenous yeast fermentations, no fining, no filtration, no added SO2, no dosage. Wild and delicious!