PAUL LAUNOIS
Paul Launois, chalk and minerals from the Côte de Blancs
Located in the heart of the idyllic Mesnil sur Oger, Maison du Champagne Paul Launois is the result of an emotional winemaking legacy, a captivating blend of family tradition and the entrepreneurial spirit of Sarah and Julien Launois. The pivotal year is 2015, when this couple decides to write their own chapter in Champagne history, giving life to the Paul Launois brand and taking custody of 6.5 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards, a heritage left by Julien's father.
The landscape of the property extends over 19 parcels, predominantly dedicated to the noble Chardonnay with 5.5 hectares and a modest portion of 1 hectare of Pinot Meunier. The family history, rooted in generations of winemakers and grape suppliers, reaches a significant climax with Julien, who signs the first bottlings under his own emblem.
The winemaking approach reflects a philosophy of controlled minimalism. In the vineyard, the transition to organic was completed in 2021, with the prospect of full conversion starting from the 2022 harvest. In the cellar, authenticity is the keyword. No external intervention, only indigenous yeasts, wood, and time as an ally in the clarification and stabilization of the wines. Filtration is a taboo, as is the judicious use of sulfur, allowing the wines to fully express their nature and the terroir from which they originate.
The name itself, Champagne Paul Launois, is a poem of family affection and creativity. Sarah, an artist and wine enthusiast, designed the visual identity, inspired by the name of their son: Paul. The acquisition in 2013 of a wine building in Mesnil sur Oger is a significant chapter. The renovation, completed with dedication, set the stage for the first harvest in 2015. The winemaking process embraces experimentation through stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels, culminating in the distinctive uniqueness of "Champagne Paul Launois."
This is not just a journey through vine rows and cellar vaults but an affectionate family tale of love. Environmental commitment is tangible, with the vineyard free from chemical inputs for many years and farming practices respectful of nature. The cuvées reflect this commitment, aiming to limit inputs, manipulations, and energy consumption.
Maison du Champagne Paul Launois is a descriptive portrait of an intimate passion for wine, a harmonious marriage between the land, family, and the art of producing Champagne, with each bottle telling the story of a family and the character of the terroir.