J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette de Limoux (Midi) - Wine Review (May 2021)

Tonight's wine review is a very nice sparkling wine that I last enjoyed four years ago and am delighted to see return to the LCBO this weekend. It is featured as part of the theme on fresh French sippers in the May 15th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The story of Domaine J. Laurens begins in the 1980s, when Michel Dervin of Champagne decided to settle in the village of La Digne d'Aval in the south of France, less than 5 kilometres from Limoux. He purchased a few hectares of vines so he could produce the famous Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine. In 2002, Jacques Calvel took over the domaine, and with the help of Michel and cellar master Henri Albrus, Jacques expanded and modernized the cellar to improve the consistency and quality of the wines. Today, Domaine J. Laurens produces a fine range of quality AOC sparkling wines while respecting the environment and preferring the use of sustainable agricultural techniques.

The climate in Limoux is a well balanced mixture of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences with hot, sunny days, followed by cool nights. These conditions help create a perfect acid-sugar balance - a fundamental element in the taste of sparkling wines. This particular sparkling wine is a blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay. The Mauzac varietal is planted on granular, clay-limestone slopes which are less fertile, but have regular rainfall, while the Chardonnay is planted in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Let's see how the latest edition of this Blanquette de Limoux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95
A blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay that was hand-harvested and aged for at least 9 months prior to disgorgement. The medium+ intensity nose offers elegant aromas of ripe apple and pear. citrus, honeyed floral, and biscuity notes. It's medium-full bodied on the weighty, slightly creamy palate with crisp, vibrant acidity and dry flavours of lemon citrus, apple, biscuit, and yeast. It's finely balanced overall with lemon, yeasty, and touches of oyster shell mineral notes on the finish, with very good length. Lot L20363-3. Great buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Domaine J. Laurens can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.