🥂 Domaine Lelarge‑Pugeot – Vrigny, Champagne

Family & Legacy

A true eighth-generation family estate, Lelarge‑Pugeot’s roots reach back to 1799 when Pierre‑Henri Lelarge planted vines in Vrigny, a Premier Cru village in the Montagne de Reims. The brand name emerged in the 1980s when Dominique Lelarge and Dominique Pugeot, after meeting while studying viticulture in Burgundy, took over the domaine and transformed its mission.

Vineyard & Terroir

The estate encompasses 8.7 hectares of organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards on chalk, limestone, clay-loam and sandy soils. The vines include roughly 4.4 ha of Pinot Meunier, 2.8 ha of Pinot Noir, and 1.5 ha of Chardonnay. Facing north, the vineyards have naturally cooler orientations—a benefit in a warming climate.

Viticulture & Winemaking

• Transitioned to organic farming in 2010, with full certification achieved in 2014, and Demeter-certified biodynamic practices since 2017.

• They avoid pesticides, promote biodiversity, planted cover crops, introduced fruit trees (peach, cherry, almond), and even added beehives to encourage a living vineyard ecosystem.

• Leading minimal intervention methods, they use indigenous yeasts, low or zero dosage, and minimal sulfur—showcased in their "Nature et Non Dosé" cuvée and the Les Meuniers de Clémence Pinot Meunier bottling.

Key Personalities

• Dominique Lelarge & Dominique Pugeot lead the domaine’s viticulture philosophy and winemaking ethos.

• Clémence Lelarge, the eldest daughter, joined in 2012 and now drives international expansion, especially in the U.S., where nearly 80% of production is exported.

Style & Wines

Their style leans into bright, Meunier-dominant Champagnes that balance vivacity, minerality, and oxidative complexity:

• Tradition NV (~50% Meunier) is widely celebrated for its rich acidity, nutty and fruit notes, and exceptional value.

• Les Meuniers de Clémence is a 100% Pinot Meunier cuvée—with no dosage—offering intense orchard fruit and mineral character.

• Experimental wines like the Luna series offer unique non-sulfur, no-dosage expressions with vivid fruit, herbal accents, and bold bottle art in collaboration with a San Francisco–based artist.

Business & Outreach

Approximately 65,000 bottles/year are produced, with 70% certified organic. The domaine is open for visits by appointment. Clémence promotes the wines in North America via frequent tastings and partnerships with restaurants and artist collaborations in the Bay Area.