Champagne, France
Gounel Lasalle
Sophie and Arnaud Gounel are 4th generation grower-producers in the Premier Cru village of Chigny-Les-Roses in the Montagne de Reims, best known for its high-quality black grapes (Pinot Noir and Meunier).
The Gounels farm 29 specific parcels totaling only 5 hectares. They have a strong commitment to soil life, biodiversity and respectful viticulture. The estate is certified High Environmental Value, with cover crops between the rows and no use of insecticides. They produce 9 cuvées, all of which are zero-dosage (Brut Nature).
Terre d'Ancêtres
Terre d’Ancêtres is made from equal parts of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grown on north-east to east facing chalky soils, which ensure slow ripening but also maintain high acidity which is requisite for Champagne production.
The base wine is fermented in oak vats and aged for 9 months. After tirage, the wine rests on its lees for 3 years. It is then disgorged and corked with no dosage to produce a wine with remarkable tension and freshness.
