Champagne Paul Launois 'Composition' Brut NV

Winemaking

Paul Launois is a grower-producer based in Cramant, one of Champagne's most prestigious villages in the Côte des Blancs. The house is known for its commitment to traditional méthode champenoise and a restrained approach to dosage, allowing the purity of the fruit and terroir to shine through. Their non-vintage releases are carefully composed blends that prioritize balance and elegance over heavy oak or sweetness.

Tasting Notes

This elegant Champagne opens with bright aromas of green apple, citrus blossom, and brioche, with a whisper of chalk dust beneath. On the palate, you'll find crisp lemon zest and white peach supported by finely integrated bubbles that dance rather than dominate, leading into subtle toasted hazelnut notes. The finish is clean and mineral-driven, with a pleasant saline quality that lingers and invites another sip—classic Champagne refinement without pretension.

Producer

Champagne Paul Launois is a small grower-producer rooted in Cramant, a village synonymous with exceptional Chardonnay-driven Champagnes. The house maintains meticulous control over its own vineyard holdings, which allows for the careful fruit selection and blending philosophy evident in their releases. They remain committed to traditional production methods and measured dosage levels, letting terroir and craftsmanship take center stage.

Terroir

Cramant sits in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, a south-facing slope of the Champagne region renowned for Chardonnay. The chalky, limestone-rich soils here are ideal for producing crisp, mineral-driven sparkling wines with excellent aging potential. The cool climate slows ripening, preserving acidity and delicate fruit character—the signature of fine Champagne.

Food Pairings

Serve this with freshly shucked oysters or briny littleneck clams to echo its mineral backbone. It's equally at home with smoked salmon canapés or a simple cheese course featuring aged Comté and creamy chèvre. For something heartier, try it alongside sautéed scallops with brown butter and lemon.