Jacques LASSAIGNE Blanc de Blancs Clos Saint-Sophie 2018

Jacques LASSAIGNE Blanc de Blancs Clos Saint-Sophie 2018

Jacques Lassaigne Blanc de Blancs Clos Saint‑Sophie 2018 is an exceptional single‑parcel Champagne from the historic clos in Montgueux, vinified and aged with a uniquely ambitious barrel regime. It is a powerful, deeply complex and long‑aged Brut Nature that combines ripe Chardonnay opulence with incisive acidity, chalky tension and astonishing aromatic depth.

Site & Identity

Clos Sainte‑Sophie is a walled, historic vineyard in the heart of Montgueux, a hill of heavy clay and chalk often dubbed “the Montrachet of Champagne” for its capacity to produce rich, expressive Chardonnay. The vines are 40–50+ years old, farmed organically and biodynamically, and Emmanuel Lassaigne vinifies this clos separately to capture its singular combination of power, spice, fruit and pronounced mineral salinity.

Technical Tasting Note

Appearance: Bright, luminous gold, with a fine, persistent mousse and a dense, vinous visual impression in the glass.

Nose: Highly complex, with layers of white fruit (apple, pear), citrus and candied lemon, dried flowers, hazelnut and almond, pastry and spice, and subtle notes reminiscent of Cognac, Savagnin‑style oxidative tones and Burgundy‑like creaminess.

Palate: Broad, powerful and sinuous, with full, silky texture and intense chalky minerality balanced by bright citrus, sweet apple fruit and caramel/almond‑brittle nuances. Laser‑like acidity cuts through the richness, giving the wine both visceral impact and huge precision.

Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with spices, pastry, dried fruits and mineral notes unfolding over a very extended, saline and structured finish—clearly built for long aging and “grand occasion” drinking.

Winemaking & Style

Clos Saint‑Sophie 2018 is 100% Chardonnay from old vines on heavy clay and chalk, farmed organically and biodynamically. The juice is vinified for about six months in a mix of barrels previously used for Cognac, Savagnin ouillé (from Ganevat) and Burgundy, then blended in tank before bottling in the spring following harvest; the wine then spends around six years on lees before release. It is bottled as Brut Nature (0 g/l dosage) at about 12% alcohol, yielding a rich yet bone‑dry Blanc de Blancs with pronounced personality, depth and minerality.

Buying Outlook

Clos Saint‑Sophie 2018 is a “unicorn‑like,” extremely limited cuvée that sits at the very top of the Jacques Lassaigne range and is highly sought‑after by Champagne collectors and top restaurants. With its single‑clos origin, long barrel and lees aging, and Brut Nature profile, it offers remarkable aging potential and a compelling story—ideal for premium allocations, prestige lists and clients seeking something rare, powerful and intellectually engaging.

Food Pairing

This Champagne pairs superbly with lobster, rich shellfish dishes, turbot or sole with beurre blanc, roast chicken or poularde with morels, and veal or poultry in creamy, truffled sauces. Its depth and umami also make it an excellent match for aged Comté, “stinky” washed‑rind cheeses, braised dishes and high‑end celebratory meals where a powerful, complex Champagne can take centre stage.