Pascal Lejeune Champagne Anaphore Blanc de Blancs (R20)

Notes:

Producer: Champagne Pascal Lejeune is a small family-owned grower based in Pierry, just south of Épernay in the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, where the Lejeune family has cultivated vineyards for generations. Today, the estate is managed with a strong commitment to environmentally responsible farming and holds both Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne (VDC) and Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certifications. Vineyard work emphasizes biodiversity through cover crops, minimal chemical intervention, and extensive manual labor from pruning through harvest. Rather than pursuing a heavily manipulated house style, Pascal Lejeune focuses on producing terroir-driven Champagnes that highlight freshness, precision, and the natural character of each grape variety. The domaine remains relatively small, allowing meticulous attention in both the vineyard and cellar while quietly building a reputation for exceptional grower Champagne value.
Vineyard: Anaphore is produced from 100% Chardonnay grown on the clay-limestone soils of the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, an increasingly recognized area neighboring the Côte des Blancs. The vineyards benefit from limestone-rich subsoils that preserve acidity while the clay contributes texture and generosity. The 2020 base vintage offered healthy, well-balanced fruit with excellent ripeness and freshness, making it particularly well suited to a Blanc de Blancs. The combination of carefully farmed vineyards and this overlooked terroir produces a Champagne that balances vibrant citrus fruit with refined mineral tension.
Winemaking: Anaphore is vinified entirely in stainless steel to preserve the purity and precision of Chardonnay. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, allowing it to retain vibrant natural acidity and a focused mineral profile. Following traditional bottle fermentation, the Champagne spends extended time aging on its lees before disgorgement, developing additional texture and complexity while maintaining freshness. Bottled as an Extra Brut, the restrained dosage allows notes of lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, brioche, and crushed chalk to shine without masking the wine's naturally energetic personality. The result is a clean, linear Blanc de Blancs that faithfully reflects both its grape variety and terroir.
Technical Details: Champagne AOC; Base Vintage 2020; 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs); Coteaux Sud d'Épernay; clay-limestone soils; VDC and HVE-certified vineyards; stainless steel vinification; no malolactic fermentation; traditional méthode champenoise; Extra Brut; approximately 12% alcohol.
Food Pairing: Fresh oysters, shrimp, scallops, sushi, grilled sea bass, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, and young Comté all pair beautifully with Anaphore. Aromas of green apple, pear, lemon zest, white flowers, and fresh brioche lead into a palate that is bright, finely textured, and driven by citrus and chalky minerality. The lively acidity, refined mousse, and restrained dosage make it an ideal aperitif while giving it enough structure to accompany seafood and lighter poultry dishes throughout a meal. Its freshness and purity make it an excellent introduction to the emerging grower-producers of the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay.