Les Crayères du Levant Blanc de noirs 2018 - Aurélien Lurquin

Les Crayères du Levant Blanc de Noirs 2018 — Aurélien Lurquin

Les Crayères du Levant Blanc de Noirs 2018 by Aurélien Lurquin is a rare grower Champagne, crafted from Meunier and shaped by a precise, low-intervention vision of Champagne. This confidential cuvée offers a distinctive expression of Blanc de Noirs, combining ripe fruit, chalky tension and a deeply gastronomic character.

Produced in very limited quantities, this Champagne reflects Aurélien Lurquin’s search for purity, texture and terroir expression. The 2018 vintage brings generous fruit and natural breadth, while the non-dosage approach keeps the wine dry, vibrant and firmly anchored in a mineral, saline finish.

Terroir and vinification

Les Crayères du Levant highlights Meunier in a noble and refined register, far from simple fruitiness. The wine is built around texture, energy and precision, with a vinous structure that gives it real presence at the table. Its dry profile allows the natural character of the grape, the chalky imprint of the soils and the personality of the vintage to come through with clarity.

Tasting notes

The nose opens with ripe orchard fruit, yellow apple, pear, citrus peel and subtle notes of dried fruit, followed by chalk, fine spice and a delicate pastry-like nuance. The aromatic profile is both expressive and controlled, with the generosity of Meunier framed by a clear mineral line.

On the palate, the wine shows volume without heaviness. The mousse is fine, the fruit is ripe and textured, and the finish remains dry, saline and persistent. The absence of dosage reinforces the impression of purity and gives the wine a long, precise and mouth-watering conclusion.

Expression of the vintage

The 2018 vintage gives this cuvée a generous and open character, with ripe fruit and a broader texture than in cooler years. In Aurélien Lurquin’s hands, this natural richness remains balanced by a dry, precise and chalk-driven profile, resulting in a Champagne that is expressive, singular and full of energy.

Rarity and positioning

Les Crayères du Levant 2018 belongs to the most confidential side of contemporary grower Champagne. Produced in very small quantities, this cuvée is aimed at collectors and enthusiasts looking for distinctive, terroir-driven bottles rather than mainstream labels. Its rarity, dry profile and singular Meunier expression make it a particularly attractive Champagne for advanced wine lovers.

Food pairings

This Blanc de Noirs pairs beautifully with roast poultry, mushroom risotto, seared scallops, roasted fine fish, aged Comté, lightly smoked dishes or refined bistro-style cuisine. Its dry finish and vinous depth make it a true table Champagne, especially suited to dishes with texture and umami.

In summary

A rare and highly individual Blanc de Noirs Champagne from Aurélien Lurquin, crafted from Meunier in a dry, expressive and mineral style. Les Crayères du Levant 2018 is a confidential cuvée for lovers of pure, vinous and terroir-driven grower Champagnes.