Champagne Stéphane Regnault, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 'Lydien' No.99 NV

This cuvée highlights the grapes of a specific historical plot (“lieu-dit” in French) named Le Chemin de Flavigny and is the fruitiest of Stéphane’s offerings. The vigneron ages the juice for eight months after fermenting 75 percent of it in a stainless steel tank and 25 percent of it in a used 228-liter Burgundy barrel. He then ages the wine for an additional three years sur lie before disgorgement. This plot is known for its light topsoil, compact chalk and natural grass cover. 

See: Straw-coloured with flecks of amber and pearl

Smell: Fresh lemon and wet stone. Bright and fragrant.

Taste: Dry and complex with notes of yellow apple, floral white muscat and green tea leaves. Chalky minerality, pointed acidity and an elegant mouthfeel followed by a juicy, lingering finish.

Pair: Pour this with angel hair pasta topped in frutti di mare, fresh garlic, butter and basil. 

Village: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger 

Region: Côtes des Blancs

Vintage: Base 2019

Varietal: 100% chardonnay

Disgorgement: 06/24

Dosage: 1 g/l

Stéphane Regnault, a true Renaissance man, shifted from aerospace engineering to sommelier roles in vibrant London and Paris. In 2007, he took over his family’s vineyards in Le Mesnil sur Oger. Crafting Champagne exclusively from his 4 hectares of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards on the prestigious Côtes des Blancs, Stéphane uses only grapes he meticulously tends himself. An inspired young winemaker and avid jazz saxophonist, Stéphane names his cuvées after jazz modes—ancient musical scales that resonate with the character of his wines. His innovative winemaking approach involves creating a trilogy of site-specific cuvées, each enriched with a perpetual reserve. This tradition began with his debut vintage in 2014.