Introducing Lallier's New R.021 Brut And The Very First Réflexion Brut Rosé A Dual Expression Of Terroir

The R.021 Brut and inaugural R.021 Brut Rosé showcase the unique character of the 2021 harvest and Lallier's dedication to meticulous winemaking. 

 Aÿ, Champagne, France — Champagne Lallier presents Réflexion R.021 Brut and R.021 Brut Rosé, debuting in the U.S. in early 2025. This launch is notably the first instance of a Brut Rosé within the Réflexion range. 

This release embodies Lallier's commitment to capturing nature in motion, showcasing how the ever-changing conditions of each harvest shape the Réflexion expression. With a new Réflexion Brut and the introduction of the first Réflexion Brut Rosé, Lallier deepens its dedication to exploring the multifaceted nature of the Champagne terroir. 

Made with a majority of grapes harvested in that year, each edition of the Réflexion distinctively captures the character of its harvest, embodying Lallier's signature style — Freshness, Purity, Depth, and Intensity. This flagship cuvée represents an innovative step in Lallier's ongoing exploration of winemaking, showcasing a fresh perspective on the natural diversity and richness of Champagne. 

These cuvées represent Cellar Master Dominique Demarville's first full harvest-to-bottle creations at Lallier, allowing him to apply his expertise to the established Réflexion range. His leadership has brought a fresh perspective, showcasing both innovations in winemaking and a renewed dedication to expressing terroir. 

"Réflexion' is really about capturing the constant flux of nature and working with what each year brings to the table to weave it into our ongoing story at Lallier," says Cellar Master, Dominique Demarville. 

Réflexion was first launched in 2014 with R.010. A cuvée has been released every year since, except in 2017, when the harvest did not meet the high standards required for this cuvée. R.021 is a brut non-vintage, blended with a majority of grapes from the 2021 harvest. 

The introduction of Meunier grapes marks a noteworthy milestone for Lallier. These grapes enhance the traditional blend and offer a new dimension to the champagne. They contribute a distinctive fruitiness and roundness, complementing the dominant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay components and adding complexity and depth. "For the first time in our range, we have included 7% of Meunier from the Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne," says Dominique Demarville. 

"Réflexion is the most exciting and demanding blend we create each year. In 2021, after a challenging start to the season, a timely gift from nature transformed our prospects. After a wet start, the return of the sun at the end of spring dried the vineyards and revitalized the grapes just in time for harvest. This change brought out exceptional finesse and freshness in the grapes, qualities that we captured meticulously in the Réflexion blend," says Master Cellar Dominique Demarville. 

Each year, the creation of Réflexion is a dynamic collaboration, with Lallier teams in constant motion as they select the best wines from the harvest to form the backbone of the blend. Under the guidance of Dominique Demarville, Lallier's blending team incorporates a small proportion of reserve wines, only 30% of the total blend in R.021, to enhance the primary wines. This collective precision ensures that the wine captures the unique attributes of the harvest 2021 and carries the distinctive Lallier style. 

"Réflexion is our signature cuvée, embodying the collaborative spirit of Lallier," says Dominique Demarville. "2021 was a milestone year as we introduced a Rosé variant to the 'Réflexion' range, marking our evolution in our winemaking approach. This bold decision allows us to fully reflect the natural variations to be expressed. As we take different harvests and blend them to create something that speaks of both consistency and change. It's a bit like putting together a puzzle where each piece represents a different year's character, yet together, they form a complete picture that's distinctly Lallier. For me, 'Réflexion' embodies the heart of what we do — it's innovative, yet deeply rooted in our heritage." 

"Each wine in the Réflexions range, from the R.021 Brut to the new R.021 Brut Rosé, is crafted using a majority of grapes from the same year's harvest, making them siblings in a unique family of wines," says Dominique Demarville. "Though they vary in grape mix and style, all are born from a single vision — to vividly express that year's terroir. This shared origin ties the wines together, showcasing how different blends can interpret the same environmental character in distinct ways."

The R.021 Brut combines 49% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay, and 7% Meunier, featuring 70% of wines from the challenging 2021 harvest, marked by severe spring frosts and record rainfall, yet yielding grapes of remarkable freshness and lightness and 30% reserve wines from 2020. Meanwhile, the R.021 Brut Rosé offers a refined blend of 53% Pinot Noir (with 7% red wines from Bouzy), 41% Chardonnay, and 6% Meunier with an added touch of vivacity and structure from the tannins of Bouzy terroir. 

"Introducing the R.021 Brut Rosé to the 'Réflexion' range marks a significant expansion of our portfolio, enriching the Lallier experience with a new taste profile," says Augustin Depardon, Managing Director House of Cognac & Champagne at Campari. ‘This launch coincides with the full adoption of our unique proprietary bottle design, initially unveiled with the R.020 Brut, now extended to the R.021 Brut Rosé, enhancing Lallier's visual identity. This strategic move not only explores the synergies between the nuanced flavors of Rosé and the depth of our 'Réflexion' range but also reinforces Lallier's status as a distinguished choice for connoisseurs, showcasing our dedication to premium-quality champagnes. Each innovation reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, inviting enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the evolving heritage of Lallier."

The vinification process of the R.021 Brut and Brut Rosé involves the majority of the base wines — 92% for the Brut and 93% for the Rosé — being subject to alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel vats at 18°C (64.4°F). This standard practice ensures the flavors inherent to the grapes are maintained. 

The remaining portions of each blend introduce a depth of complexity. 8% of the Brut and 7% of the Rosé are aged on fine lees in oak barrels. This enriches the texture and layers each cuvée with subtle woody notes. Both the Brut and the Brut Rosé undergo partial malolactic fermentation (80-90%), which softens their natural acidity, enhances the texture, and balances the wines' profiles. 

"Making these champagnes has been a journey of meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the unique qualities of each harvest," says Dominique Demarville. "Our goal is to express the purest essence of our terroir in every bottle."

These cuvées are Lallier's most creative endeavor, The R.021 Brut and R.021 Brut Rosé are presented in Lallier's unique bottle, a design crafted exclusively for the house. The bottle's form, with its perfect balance and elegant proportions, mirrors the equilibrium found in the champagne itself, embodying Lallier's four fundamental atmospheres — freshness, purity, depth and intensity — serving as a visual signature for the Réflexion range. 

R.021 Brut presents a fresh light-yellow hue with golden reflections. The nose is dominated by vibrant citrus aromas of lime and mandarin, complemented by elegant floral notes and mature hints of brioche and fresh hazelnut. This champagne is ideal at the start of a meal, complementing dishes that bring out its bright, fresh-tasting flavors, such as citrus- flavored fish or shellfish like langoustines. It can also be paired with a seasonal vegetable tart or a risotto with green asparagus and parmesan. 

R.021 Brut Rosé presents a fresh pink hue with beautiful lightness and luminosity. The nose is dominated by distinct citrus aromas such as blood orange and kumquat, complemented by notes of small red fruits. More mature scents like brioche and fresh hazelnut add depth and complexity to the aromatic profile. This rosé is perfect for enhancing any aperitif. It pairs wonderfully with light yet luxurious dishes, particularly crustaceans such as lobster, crayfish, or king crab, highlighting the unique flavor profiles of each ingredient. 

The attack is remarkably pure and fresh on the palate, with a delicate iodine sensation. The mid-palate is dominated by the robust Pinot Noir and the gentle roundness of Meunier, leading to a long, deep finish. A subtle bitterness enhances the freshness and reveals the wine's aromatic maturity, reflecting its extended ageing in the cellar and the influence of oak-aged wines. 

R.021 Brut will be available in the U.S. in June 2025 for an SRP of $65 and R.021 Brut Rosé will be available in late 2025 $85, respectively.