Domaine J. Laurens, ‘Les Graimenous’, 2023, Crémant de Limoux (AOP)

'One-Liner'
A beautifully poised traditional-method sparkling wine, combining crisp citrus and orchard fruit with fine bubbles, gentle brioche and a creamy, mouth-watering finish.

Tasting Note
Bright pale gold with a fine, persistent mousse, opening with lemon, grapefruit and crisp green apple alongside white flowers and a subtle smoky note. The palate is lively and elegant, with ripe orchard fruit balanced by fresh citrus acidity and a delicate saline edge. Time on the lees brings soft layers of brioche, pastry and baking spice, while the finish remains clean, creamy and wonderfully refreshing.

Country: France
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Sub-Region: Limoux AOP
Grape(s): 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac, 5% Pinot Noir
ABV: 12%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
90 Points – Decanter

The Story
Domaine J. Laurens lies in La Digne-d’Aval, just outside Limoux, where sparkling wine has been part of the local story for centuries. The estate was established during the 1980s by Michel Dervin, a Champenois drawn to Limoux’s high-altitude vineyards and long-established tradition of bottle-fermented wines, before Jacques Calvel took over in 2002 and continued its focus exclusively on sparkling wine. Les Graimenous is the domaine’s flagship Crémant, bringing Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc together with smaller portions of local Mauzac and Pinot Noir. A second fermentation in bottle and extended contact with the lees give the wine its fine bubbles, rounded texture and gentle brioche character, while Limoux’s cooler conditions preserve the bright citrus freshness at its heart.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Lightly seared scallops with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian: Goat’s cheese, pea and mint tart
- Vegan: Pea, mint and lemon crostini