The story of Champagne Launois
How different can two Champagnes from the same house taste when both are made from Chardonnay? Dorine brings ripe peach and brioche, while Clémence Grand Cru has a finer structure and a gentle hint of spice. For us, the story of these wines began with a visit to the Launois family in Champagne.
A visit in 2022, a harvest in 2023
We first met the Launois family at their Champagne house in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The following autumn we went back to help pick the grapes. Filling yellow crates between the rows gave us a sense of how much work goes into each bottle before the grapes even reach the cellar.
A family Champagne house since 1872
Séverine and Caroline Launois carry on the family’s work in its eighth generation. Their village lies in the Côte des Blancs, an area of Champagne known for Chardonnay. Launois makes its Blanc de Blancs Champagnes from this white grape.
Which Launois Champagne should you try?
Dorine · ripe peach and a creamy texture
If you like a rounder style of Champagne, start with Dorine. Ripe peach and citrus are joined by brioche and a touch of oak. Try it with scallops or mature cheese. Explore Dorine.
Clémence Grand Cru · fine structure and gentle spice
Also made entirely from Chardonnay, Clémence has a finer structure. Try it with seafood or a light starter. Explore Clémence Grand Cru.
Œil de Perdrix · cherry and apricot
For a different style from the same house, try this Pinot Noir Champagne. It is dry and rounded, with cherry, apricot and a long mineral finish. Explore Œil de Perdrix.
If you’re choosing two bottles, taste Dorine and Clémence side by side. See which you prefer: Dorine’s ripe fruit or the finer structure of Clémence.