Champagne Lancelot-Pienne is a highly regarded grower Champagne house based in the Grand Cru village of Cramant, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The estate was formed through the union of the Lancelot and Pienne families, whose vineyards were combined in 1967 when Albert Lancelot married Brigitte Pienne. Today, the domaine is led by Gilles Lancelot, an oenologist who has continued the family tradition while introducing more precise vineyard and cellar practices. The estate farms approximately 9 hectares of vineyards, with holdings primarily around Cramant and across the Côte des Blancs and southern Épernay slopes.

The Tradition Brut NV represents the house’s classic interpretation of Champagne assemblage. Unlike the domaine’s Chardonnay-focused Blanc de Blancs cuvées, Tradition showcases the importance of Pinot Meunier in the house style, blending fruit richness, freshness and accessibility. The cuvée reflects a traditional Champagne philosophy passed down through generations, combining different vineyard sites and grape varieties to create a balanced, versatile wine suitable for both aperitif occasions and dining.

The wine is sourced from vineyards in the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay and Vallée de la Marne, where the combination of clay-limestone and chalky marl soils contributes both fruit generosity and mineral freshness. The vines average around 35 years old. The cuvée is produced using stainless steel fermentation, full malolactic fermentation and extended ageing in chalk cellars for approximately 36 months, allowing the wine to develop complexity while maintaining freshness. The dosage is approximately 4.8 g/L, placing it firmly in the Brut category with a relatively dry profile.

The wine expresses the generosity of Pinot Meunier while retaining the structure of Pinot Noir and freshness of Chardonnay. Aromatically, it shows yellow fruits, mirabelle plum, quince, ripe apple and white flowers, with subtle notes of brioche and pastry from lees ageing. The palate is rounded and silky, with a fine mousse, balanced acidity and a refreshing mineral finish. It is a Champagne designed more for harmony and pleasure than austerity, offering richness without heaviness.

The NV Tradition Brut has been recognised for its attractive balance between fruit richness and freshness. The Pinot Meunier-led blend delivers notes of ripe orchard fruit, apple peel, subtle pastry and mineral freshness, with a generous texture and a refined finish. 

" aromas of apple, fruit richness and gentle maturity, supported by freshness and a pleasant Champagne texture. The wine was described as balanced and approachable rather than overtly powerful. " -- Jancis Robinson