Rilly la Montagne · Montagne de Reims
About
A small Premier Cru estate in Rilly-la-Montagne, on the eastern face of the Montagne de Reims. Founded by Jules Lassalle, the house is now run by his granddaughter Chantal Nolin-Lassalle, one of Champagne's most respected women vigneronnes. J. Lassalle has been a member of the Club Trésors de Champagne since its founding, producing a Spécial Club in exceptional vintages. The house style is precise and structured, with the red-fruit character and textural depth that defines the northern Montagne de Reims terroir.
From the House
Our Spécial Club 2016 is now released — one of the finest vintages in our recent history. Chantal Nolin-Lassalle has selected only the most concentrated parcels from Rilly and Chigny-les-Roses. After seven years on lees and two years post-disgorgement, the wine shows the full depth of Premier Cru Montagne de Reims.
Our Cuvée Angéline Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with a warm tart of asparagus and Gruyère — the wine's Chardonnay precision cuts through the richness of the cheese while its mineral backbone amplifies the earthy sweetness of the asparagus.
Rilly-la-Montagne faces east — unusual in the Montagne de Reims where most Premier Cru villages have southern exposures. This easterly aspect gives our grapes a cooler, later ripening profile with naturally higher acidity, which is why J. Lassalle wines age so gracefully.