Sparkling dry
The Cuvée Exigence is a lively and energetic blend, the symbol of audacity and meticulousness. Made from Pinot Noir grown in Aÿ and Chardonnay from Chouilly, this wine takes the notion of aromatic complexity to another level. It defines itself not by a single vintage but instead by its unique geographical origins. It is a classic and timeless wine, incredibly rich and smooth, an invitation to collect Champagne.
Villages: Chouilly Grand Cru / Ay Grand Cru
Press: 100% First press
Elevage: 10/12 years, Reserve wines from 1995 to 2014 vintage
Dosage: 6.5 g/l
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Champagne with low amount of sulphur dioxide: 39 mg/l
Serve at 8-10 °C with salmon steak, scallops or oysters.
Silvery, lustrous golden yellow. Delicate aromas of herbal savouriness, lime zest and green stone fruit and a hint of biscuit on the nose. The palate is very juicy and precise, with an elegantly structured mousse and a gripping palate with good acidity and a chalky underlying minerality. It has a delicately nutty finish with underlying notes of preserved lemon.
Founded in 1991, the “Legras & Haas” champagne house, led by the trio of brothers Rémi, Olivier, and Jérôme Legras, has become one of the most prominent names in the Champagne region within a few decades. Based in the village of Chouilly, in the northern part of the Côte des Blancs, they nurture the exceptional terroir of this Grand Cru classified area. With family roots spanning several generations and a meticulous attention to detail, they have succeeded in creating champagnes that reflect both tradition and an innovative approach to winemaking. “Legras & Haas” manages 18 hectares of vineyards in the Chouilly area, where only ‘Chardonnay’ grapes are cultivated, and also owns plots in other prestigious regions, such as Les Riceys and Vitry-le-François.
Guided by respect for nature and meticulous craftsmanship, the trio strives to highlight the uniqueness of each vineyard while maintaining the highest quality standards in both the vineyards and the winery. Their goal is to produce champagnes that are enjoyable immediately but also have the potential to mature gracefully, revealing new layers of flavor over time.
Wine Style
“Legras & Haas” champagnes are elegant, harmonious, and characterized by exceptional balance, perfectly reflecting the terroir of their origin.
• The white champagne (Blanc de Blancs) stands out with its pronounced minerality, refreshing citrus fruit character, refined texture, and a well-integrated ‘Chardonnay’ profile, complemented by subtle notes of brioche and nuts.
• As they age, these champagnes gain complexity, revealing aromas of ripe fruits, honey, and baked apples, while maintaining an elegant acidity structure.
Prestigious Vineyards
The strength of “Legras & Haas” lies in its exceptional vineyards, located in prestigious Champagne regions. Among them, the following stand out:
• Chouilly Grand Cru – the core of the family’s vineyard holdings, renowned for its ideal conditions for growing ‘Chardonnay’ grapes.
• Les Riceys – a unique area that imparts exceptional depth and structure to the champagnes.
• Vitry-le-François – a lesser-known but distinctive region, enriching the “Legras & Haas” champagne range with subtle nuances.
The diversity of terroir across these vineyards allows the Legras brothers to create champagnes that reflect the characteristics of different regions while maintaining a cohesive style and quality.
Aging and Drinking Period
One of the greatest strengths of “Legras & Haas” champagnes is their versatility. These champagnes are delightful and well-balanced upon release, making them perfect for immediate enjoyment. However, their structure and acidity balance ensure excellent aging potential. Over time, the champagnes reveal increasingly complex aromas – from ripe fruits and honey to subtle notes of nuts and minerality – all while retaining elegance and freshness.