Louis Nicaise, "Cuvée Louis par Laure", 2015

The 2015 Cuvée Louis par Laure Nicaise-Preaux is a Champagne made for Laure’s grandfather ~ 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir ~ from old vine parcels in the Premiere Cru village of Hautvillers. It is the Chardonnay that dominates with an intense floral and spice aroma and lemon drop brightness on the palate. An archetypal Champagne from what the storytellers would have us believe, the birthplace of Champagne as we know it today. Exquisite as an apéritif or paired with sharp cheeses, oysters, salmon, moules frites, or whatever your pleasure!

Clement and Laure Nicaise-Preaux represent the new generation at this 9-hectare property situated in Hautvillers. After an apprenticeship with Jacques Selosse, the revered Champagne visionary, Clement married Laure and has gradually been given license from his father-in-law to make changes at the winery. Gault-Millaut took note recently, writing “still unknown, Louis Nicaise is a rising star in Champagne.” These changes include adding barrels back into the regime after decades without them, allowing native yeasts in the second fermentation, and more. His treasures exhibit the classical characteristics of Hautvillers, prominent among them, balance. The Champagne spent 7 years on the lees.