Welcome to Maison Champagne Lejeune
Sandrine and Pascal Lejeune are the winemakers at Maison Lejeune in Champagne, a family-owned estate on the southern slopes of Épernay. They were recently joined by their son Thibaut, and together they are working toward a shared goal: introducing people to their terroir-driven Champagnes.
A family business for generations
The story begins in the 19th century with Edmond, Sandrine’s great-grandfather. The vineyards, located on the southern slopes of Épernay, have been passed down from generation to generation. In 1995, first Pascal, and then Sandrine, left their jobs to carry on the family tradition. “We have two different backgrounds, which allows us to complement each other perfectly and work in harmony.”
Today, Thibaut joined them on the estate: “He’s been with us for a year now. It’s great because he’s very dedicated to his work and to caring for the vines and the soil,” Sandrine notes. The arrival of this new generation signals the promise of a family legacy that Sandrine hopes to carry on: “We need to secure a future for our children.”
The vineyards of Maison Lejeune
The vineyard spans four municipalities: Pierry, Vinay, Moussy, and Épernay—the capital of Champagne—on the southern slopes of Épernay. Like other vineyards in Champagne, Maison Lejeune comprises some 42 plots planted primarily with Pinot Meunier. “From the 2015 harvest, we will be releasing a 100% Pinot Meunier cuvée. We wanted to showcase these very old vines, which are of very high quality and have excellent ripeness,” says Sandrine.
The quality of the grapes is essential to the quality of the Champagne: “Most of the work is done in the vineyard.” With this in mind, Sandrine and Pascal are deeply committed to preserving the terroir: “When we took over the estate, we made a shift toward sustainability. The products have evolved, and this has allowed us to adapt our working practices,” notes Sandrine. “We’ve been practicing cover cropping in the vineyards for over 18 years. At the time, we were among the first to implement this technique in Champagne.”
It is therefore no surprise that Pascal and Sandrine have earned both the “ High Environmental Value ” and “ Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne”certifications.
“Our sole goal: to offer you champagnes that reflect their terroir”
The result of this work is a range of harmonious, fresh Champagnes, crafted from carefully tended grapes, meticulous cellar work, well-balanced blends, and several months of aging on racks: “for every occasion and every taste.”
“Champagne Brut is our House’s flagship cuvée. Both harmonious and rich, it embodies our family’s image and style.”
The Cuvée Réserve is a subtle blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier: “Its liveliness and balance make it a champagne to enjoy at any time of day, whether as an aperitif with friends or over a meal.”
Crisp and refreshing rosé Champagne, perfect for the summer season, and Blanc de Blancs, made exclusively from Chardonnay, harmoniously round out the lineup.
The rosé from the Lejeune Champagne collection
Finally, the crown jewel of the Lejeune house: the 2000 vintage: “Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this top-of-the-line 2000 vintage cuvée will delight connoisseurs not only with its balance and freshness, but also with the aromatic complexity imparted by partial aging in oak barrels. An exceptional champagne for exceptional moments.”
In closing:
“What do I like about being a winemaker? The interaction and the sense of community. We’re lucky to be surrounded by people who are interested in what we do. We meet all kinds of wonderful people—each one completely different. It’s enjoyable, and it opens us up to the world.”
Our tip: Keep the holiday spirit alive by coming to discover Lejeune Champagne at Les Grappes.
Latest Releases
Newly Arrived Vintages in Cellar