Champagne Lallement Massonnot in Coulommes-la-Montagne
Champagne Lallement Massonnot is a family grower in Coulommes-la-Montagne, on the western side of the Montagne de Reims. Marie and Xavier Lallement returned to Champagne in 2015 to take over the family estate. Their wines connect a predominantly Meunier vineyard with an increasingly soil-focused approach to farming, making this a useful producer to explore for both its Champagnes and the decisions behind them.
Meunier country and living soils
The estate's 15 parcels lie around Coulommes-la-Montagne, Pargny-lès-Reims, Gueux and Saint-Euphraise, mostly in Premier Cru sites. Meunier covers three quarters of the vineyard, rooted in clay-and-sand soils above deeper chalk. The producer describes its signature as ripe fruit and supple texture followed by freshness, rather than a single citrus-led style across every cuvée.
Environmental work is a substantive part of the estate's identity. The family reports Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification and an agroecological transition underway since 2019. Cover crops, tree planting and reduced tillage are central to its approach. Autumn sowings include faba beans, rye, clover and mustard; the aim is to support living soils and a more resilient vineyard ecosystem. This is a sustainable and regenerative farming approach, not a claim of organic or biodynamic certification.
A range worth comparing
Zeste Florésien Premier Cru provides a precise introduction to one side of the range. The producer lists 50% Chardonnay, 25% Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir, with a minimum of three years in bottle. Freshness, floral notes and a lively edge are its emphasis: despite the estate's Meunier-dominant plantings, this particular wine is Chardonnay-led.
For a contrasting expression, Soleil d'Eden Premier Cru contains 75% Meunier, 15% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir and spends at least two years in bottle. The producer highlights suppleness and white- and yellow-fleshed fruit. The collection also includes Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Premier Cru, Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru and a Millésime. Ask which bottles and vintages are currently available: a listed wine is not a guaranteed tasting pour.
Visiting Lallement Massonnot
The estate advertises Terroir Imprints with a vineyard introduction and a guided comparative tasting of three Champagnes. Visits are by appointment, with French and English listed. Confirm dates, group requirements and the wines offered before booking.
The Oenologist's Journey adds a vineyard walk and a visit to the shared production site before tasting. The producer specifies confirmation on request, so do not assume this longer format is available whenever a tasting is bookable. Enquiries are based at 35 rue Haute in Coulommes-la-Montagne; confirm the meeting point for your chosen visit.
Best fit in a Champagne tour
Lallement Massonnot suits a western Montagne de Reims day for visitors interested in family growers, Meunier and the relationship between farming and wine. If available, comparing Soleil d'Eden and Zeste Florésien makes the distinction between the vineyard's dominant grape and each cuvée's blend easy to understand.
Choose the visit format before arranging the rest of the day. A shorter vineyard introduction and tasting serves a different purpose from the longer production visit; allow time for the confirmed programme and onward travel rather than assuming cellar access can be added on arrival.