Raw energy triumphs
YEN-YEN
"Stop, Ries. We'll never find him. I'm going to ask here."
Walking into the courtyard, I see him getting out of the car. I can hardly believe it, but it's him. Aurélien Lurquin, affectionately known as 'Yen-Yen' by those in the know. I shake his hand and start right away.
“Je vous cherche depuis si longtemps.” J’adore votre champagne. He laughs but doesn't have time, but lucky for us, we clicked and went into the cellars. Late in the afternoon, we say goodbye briefly because we'll be back soon.
CULT STATUS
Aurelien Lurquin's champagnes speak for themselves and have everything to do with a modest but perfectionist man who goes all the way. To a biodynamic limit without internet, without a phone and sulphur. Alone in the vineyard with his horse, he's the happiest man in the world. You can feel his focus when you taste the wines. It's all about raw energy. His wines hit you at full speed with density, purity and vibrancy. Each cuvée is a rare gem, limited to one or two barrels. His small production has already earned cult status. The contrast between the hundreds of barrels set up in large houses and the mere ten at Aurélien's is striking. He has grown. Recently. From 1.8 to 2.5 hectares, it only sells 20% or 3000 bottles annually; the rest goes to the trade. The aim next year is to keep most of the grapes he now sells to Hervé Jestin and Leclerc Briant.
BRILLIANT JUICE
Despite its high acidity, Coteaux Champenois Blanc has always been a wine that commands respect from winemakers and wine lovers alike. The vineyards of Aurélien Lurquin are a testament to this. He continues the tradition of applying massive selection in a vineyard with 70-year-old vines, preserving diversity and potential in high-quality wine. His white Coteaux Champenois, comparable to a great Burgundy, is a testament to his skill and dedication. The complexity and finesse of this wine and its unique flavours of ginger, elderberry syrup, and hawthorn blossoms, perfectly balanced by the ripeness of the grapes, make it a true gem. The different clay, limestone, and red flint soils contribute to its exceptional quality.
PETIT-MESLIER
The Chardonnay-Petit Meslier is a vibrant juice of great finesse, with chalky depth, a high lemon content, and salty intensity. The Pinot Meunier is brutal, rich, full of energy, refined, intense, and exciting.
The Pinot Noir, of great power, is closed but has a silky and pure material that caresses the palate, leaving a lingering impression of its intense and complex flavours.
PURE PROMISES
We are more than delighted. We are emotionally connected to Aurélien Lurquin's champagnes and Coteaux Champenois. These are not just wines but pure promises that occasionally arrive in small doses, making us feel intimately connected to the art and passion of winemaking. These wines will enrich our portfolio with love, and we can't wait to share this connection with you.
