Lelarge-Pugeot Tradition Champagne

Are you looking for a weekend celebration wine? Then head over to Bossanova in Roncy village and pick up a bottle (or two) of the Lelarge-Pugeot Tradition Champagne.

The Lelarge family have been making Champagne for eight generations in a town called Vrigny, 15 minutes west of Reims. In 1985 when husband and wife team, Dominique and Dominique, took over the family business, they made a commitment to sustainable farming. They realized how dangerous pesticides are to nature and humanity, so they made caring for the land they inherited a priority. And their wine is better for it—because healthy soils grow vines that produce higher-quality grapes. In 2014 they were certified organic and in 2017 they were certified biodynamic.

‘Tradition' is a non-vintage cuvée that is a blend of 55% Pinot Meunier, with the balance of Pinot Noir and some Chardonnay. The grapes were harvested in 2015 and 2016, the wine was bottled in 2017, and then it spent 30 months on its lees, in the bottle. The result is a bright wine full of oomph. In the glass you will experience structured bubbles, the aromas of toast and brioche—a marker of a fine Champagne—a pleasant acidity and just enough fruit.

In terms of taste and quality this little Champagne can go head-to-head with the big producers any day. And what a good price! Find it a Bossanova, 103 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto - $77