In Chigny-les-Roses, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, Arnaud and Sophie Gounel craft Champagnes that express the essence of their terroir. As grower-producers, they favor sustainable viticulture and a demanding, parcel-by-parcel approach. Most of the wines are vinified in wood, aged under cork, and offered with no dosage to preserve purity and authenticity.
Les Amis Les Champs – 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier – Premier Cru, perfectly illustrates this philosophy. Sourced from a parcel of limestone and clay soils, this two-varietal cuvée combines the structure and fruitiness of Pinot Noir with the roundness and generosity of Meunier. Vinified in oak barrels and large casks, it shows subtle oak influence that enhances balance and terroir expression. The result: a precise, expressive Champagne that mirrors the personality of its winemaker. At Gounel-Lassalle, elegance is a mastered art… though Arnaud might still surprise you by skateboarding among the vines. Rigor in the vineyard, freedom in the glass.
Color: pale straw yellow with golden highlights and fine, persistent bubbles.
Nose: opens with an expressive bouquet of small red fruits (raspberry, black cherry) mingled with hints of ripe plum and stone fruit. In the background, delicate woody nuances and a touch of sweet spice (cinnamon, clove).
Palate: generous and full-bodied, supported by the richness of Pinot Noir and shaped by the Meunier, which brings roundness and suppleness. The texture is silky, the fine mousse adds freshness and lightness. The Brut Nature dosage highlights the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir. The finish is long, slightly saline, with refined bitters.
Pairing: ideal with a mushroom risotto.
The Essentiel Collection from Champagne Piper-Heidsieck brings together cuvées crafted for their complexity, precision, and their ability to meet the expectations of haute cuisine and discerning...
