Before we tell you more about these amazing Champagnes from Lété-Vautrain, there are two terms we need to be clear about so that our customers understand the value of what we’re offering today:
DI (Direct Import) - When a retailer sells a DI or direct product, it means they’re purchasing the product directly from the producer and clearing it through an importer rather than buying from a local distributor. Doing so can often shave 20-30% off the mark up.
Grower Champagne - In the Champagne world, much like the world of Scotch whisky, there are blending houses and there are farmers. Much Johnnie Walker purchases whiskies from a number of distilleries to create a blend, brands like Dom Perignon and Vueve Clicquot purchase wines from hundreds of small growers to create their Champagnes. A “grower Champagne” means the wine was made specifically by a single farmer, and these wines have become all the rage over the last decade.
Hence, when you see our offer today for Lété-Vautrain Champagnes from $32.99 - $39.99, these are wines that would sell at $55-$70 per bottle if they were brought in via standard distribution channels.
They’re also far more concentrated and singular in their flavors, being the product of a single farmer and producer: the incredible Champagne Lété-Vautrain.
While Lété-Vautrain itself is a collaboration of two historic Champagne families, it also adds in the winemaking prowess of the Baron-Fuente family—another incredible grower Champagne. Working with historical vineyards in the Marne and near Epernay, Lété-Vautrain farms all three varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir—with environmentally-friendly practices that preserve both the integrity of the fruit and the land upon which its grown.
We’re very excited to debut three new Champagnes from Lété-Vautrain just in time for the holidays, at prices that are too good to pass up! We think the combination of provenance, price, and premium flavors will sway even our most devout big house Champagne customers over to the grower side of the industry. Having brought in an entire container directly from Champagne, we’re incredibly passionate about their quality.
Check out these fantastic Champagne values:
Lété-Vautrain Brut 204 Champagne $32.99
93 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Layered with subtle complexity, showing lemon peel and pulp, chalky minerality and buttery aromas plus a whiff of strawberries. Round on the palate with medium body, crisp acidity and a tight-knit structure with a refined, toasty finish. Drink or hold.
Aged three years on the lees, this marriage of 50% Meunier, 25% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir showcases the incredible fruit of the Vallée de la Marne, for those looking for true terroir specificity in their Champagne. Dosage is 5g/l.
Lété-Vautrain Royal Brut Rosé Champagne $35.95
92 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - A very fruity, layered wine, showing strawberries and raspberries with brioche complexity. The juicy palate has crisp acidity and medium body. Refined finish with a toasty mineral-laden aftertaste. Drink now.
This blend of 60% Meunier, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir is aged three years on the lees. The rosé color comes from the additional of 15% red wine from Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes. Dosage is 5g/l.
Lété-Vautrain Millesime 2016 Champagne $39.95
92 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Restrained with chalky aromas, butter and pastry notes, lemon pulp and fresh red fruit. Zesty acidity with light body and phenolic grip on the palate. Polished, tense finish. Drink now.
This single vintage Champagne was aged 8 years in the cellar before release. A blend of 25% Meunier, 50% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, the minerality is the focus here. Dosage is 5g/l.