Presentation
Located in Sermiers, at the heart of the Montagne de Reims, Champagne Lacuisse Frères is a family estate where winemaking has been passed down for generations. Rooted in a terroir dominated by Pinot Meunier, the estate also cultivates Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafting champagnes that are both balanced and expressive. Committed to sustainable viticulture, the estate places great importance on preserving the environment and the health of its soils. Grapes are harvested manually, ensuring only the highest-quality fruit is vinified. In the cellar, fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks to retain aromatic freshness, and prolonged lees aging brings richness and complexity. The wines are elegant and precise, revealing aromas of white fruits and flowers, underpinned by delicate minerality a pure reflection of their origin.
Location
The Opéra cuvée is crafted from carefully selected plots located in Serzy-et-Prin, a Premier Cru village in the Ardre Valley, west of the Montagne de Reims. Vines are planted on southeast- and south-facing slopes, benefiting from consistent sunlight and a temperate microclimate that supports slow, balanced ripening. The mosaic of plots, varying in altitude and exposure, allows for a layered blend—like an opera—where each grape variety plays its own melodic role, creating a harmonious and expressive composition.
Terroir
Soils in Serzy-et-Prin combine clay, silt, and limestone elements over a chalk and flint subsoil. This complex geology encourages deep rooting and consistent water access, even in dry years. The terroir produces grapes that are both concentrated and fresh. Pinot Meunier brings roundness and fruitiness, Chardonnay adds structure and tension, and Pinot Noir contributes depth and backbone. The result is a wine marked by natural elegance, energy, and subtle aromatic complexity—a true reflection of its Premier Cru origin.
In the vineyard
Champagne Lacuisse Frères practices sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture. They use mechanical techniques for soil management and avoid chemical herbicides on part of their vineyards. A portion of their vineyard is organically farmed, though this is not mentioned on the labels. They do not add bisulfite at disgorgement and follow water management practices such as recycling wash water. Their approach combines tradition and innovation to produce high-quality Champagnes while minimizing environmental impact.
Harvest
Harvest is done entirely by hand, with strict selection directly in the vineyard. Each grape variety is picked at full ripeness to preserve freshness, balance, and aromatic integrity. Grapes are transported in small crates to prevent crushing, then gently pressed in traditional presses. Only the finest first press juice is kept for Opéra, ensuring clarity and finesse. This precision from the start guarantees a clean and elegant wine that fully respects its terroir’s identity.
Winemaking
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with slow fermentation to retain primary aromas and natural balance. Each variety is vinified separately before blending to allow accurate expression of their characteristics. A portion of reserve wines is included to enhance complexity and maintain house style.
Ageing
Ageing on fine lees lasts several months before bottling, followed by more than 30 months of bottle ageing on lees. The Brut dosage (approx. 6 g/L) is precisely calibrated to support freshness while revealing aromatic expression.
Varietals
Pinot meunier
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Specifications
Serving
Serve between 10 and 12°C
Ageing potential
3 to 5 years
Tasting
This champagne displays a pale gold color with a fine and steady mousse. The nose is elegant and layered, offering aromas of white flowers, yellow fruits (peach, mirabelle), fresh hazelnut, and light pastry. On the palate, the attack is bright, the texture silky, and the wine unfolds with volume and precision. The finish is long, clean, and subtly saline, with vibrant freshness. This is a gastronomic Champagne—refined, expressive, and harmonious—an elegant classic in liquid form.
Food pairings
This cuvée pairs beautifully with refined, flavorful cuisine. It complements a farm chicken supreme with morel mushrooms, its freshness lifting the richness of the dish. It also shines alongside a sea bream tartare with mango and lime, enhancing the brightness and balance. On the sweet side, it matches elegantly with roasted apricot and almond financier, echoing the wine’s yellow fruit and nutty notes. A versatile Champagne with great finesse, Opéra enhances any moment with style and precision.
