Domaine J.Laurens, Crémant de Limoux ‘Les Graimenous’, France

 Production: The Limoux is extremely windy: the Vent Cers from the Atlantic and the warm Vent Narin from the Mediterranean blow through the vineyards, assisting the domaine’s ‘reasoned agriculture’ approach to viticulture. The soil in the area is rocky with clay, sandstone and limestone, creating a distinct terroir across the region. Vines are hand harvested as prescribed by the AOC Limoux regulations. This Chardonnay-based Crémant de Limoux (as opposed to a Mauzac-dominated Blanquette de Limoux) is made using the ‘méthode traditionnelle’. First fermentation is in stainless steel vats to control the temperature with the secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then allowed to rest on lees for a minimum of twelve months before disgorgement, with a further fifteen months in bottle before release.