In our Supplier Stories series, we’re featuring our wonderful suppliers! So many of them have special stories, from women entrepreneurs to family farms to mission-driven folks who want to make a difference. Some are local — only available in a couple of stores or states — while others are growing along with us. Follow as we share their tales.
“Every wine tells its own story. [It embodies] a terroir, ancestral know-how and memories.”
So say the winemakers opens in a new tab behind the Champagne House of J. Lassalle, a third-generation family business run from Chigny-les-Roses, a tiny town (population 500) nestled in northern France. The three women at the head of the house are Angéline Templier, her mother, Chantal Decelle-Lassalle, and her grandmother, Olga Lassalle.
The estate’s 40 acres of vineyards produce about 120,000 bottles a year from their varietals of pinot meunier, pinot noir and chardonnay — and are a classic example of Grower Champagne opens in a new tab, which means that it’s made on the same land, by the same people, where the grapes are grown. But the production isn’t what puts this winery on the map.
Its classic technique amounting to a deliciously rich taste makes every bottle the bottle for special occasions. And while the house commits to modern winemaking innovations, J. Lassalle is grounded in its traditions at heart. All bottles are still riddled by hand, and they still use the traditional press installed in 1965 by Jules Lassalle.
Expert’s Pick: For holiday brunch or other outings, J. Lassalle Brut Premier Cru is THE Champagne to celebrate truly special moments this holiday season. A masterful example of a Grower Champagne, it’s refined and crisp with white peach and a graceful floral component. Find more wines for every occasion opens in a new tab. > opens in a new tab
