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 Toccata cuvée is crafted from vineyards located in Serzy-et-Prin, a Premier Cru village in the Ardre Valley, west of the Montagne de Reims. The vines are planted on slopes with mainly south and southeast exposures, benefiting from steady sunlight and good air circulation. This setting encourages slow, even ripening while preserving freshness and balance. The diversity of micro-parcels, in terms of altitude and orientation, allows for a lively and expressive blend. Toccata reflects the energy of its origin, offering a precise and rhythmic interpretation of the terroir.
Terroir
The soils of Serzy-et-Prin are composed of clay-limestone mixed with silt and sand, over a chalky subsoil with flint. This geology provides natural drainage and consistent water supply. Pinot Meunier, the core grape of the cuvée, develops generous fruit and roundness, while Chardonnay adds tension and freshness, and Pinot Noir contributes structure and depth. The terroir gives Toccata a subtle yet persistent minerality, supporting a profile that is vibrant, balanced, and approachable.
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
Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with careful selection directly in the vineyard. Each grape variety is picked separately at optimal ripeness to preserve aromatic clarity and balance. Grapes are transported in small crates to prevent damage and oxidation. Pressing is gentle and fractioned, keeping only the finest juice. This precision at harvest is essential to build the freshness, purity, and energy that define the Toccata cuvée.
Winemaking
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with slow fermentations to preserve fruit purity. Each variety and parcel is vinified separately before blending, ensuring balance and complexity. A portion of reserve wines is included to enhance depth and stylistic consistency.
Ageing
The wines are aged on fine lees for several months, adding texture and length. After bottling, the cuvée is aged on lees for over 30 months. The Brut dosage, around 5–6 g/L, is carefully calibrated.
Varietals
Pinot meunier : 80%
Chardonnay : 20%
Specifications
Serving
Serve between 10 and 12°C
Ageing potential
3 to 5 years
Tasting
Toccata displays a bright pale yellow color with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is expressive, showing crisp white fruits, pear, fresh apple, floral notes, and a hint of brioche. On the palate, the attack is lively and precise, followed by a rounder, generous mid-palate. The texture is elegant, supported by refreshing acidity and a clean, slightly saline finish. This is a dynamic, harmonious Champagne, true to its name and full of energy.
Food pairings
Toccata pairs beautifully with fresh and flavorful dishes. It enhances sea bass carpaccio with citrus and olive oil, highlighting freshness and precision. It also matches well with creamy mushroom and parmesan risotto, balancing richness with tension. For dessert, it pairs nicely with a pear and almond tart, echoing the wine’s fruit notes. A versatile Champagne, perfect from aperitif through the meal.
