The Domaine de Marzilly Champagne Ullens L.P.M NV is a remarkable grower Champagne crafted by Maxime Ullens from the Massif de Saint-Thierry, north-west of Reims. L.P.M stands for La Petite Montagne, a historic name for the area and a tribute to the estate’s unique terroir. Produced from 100% Pinot Meunier sourced from the Marzilly vineyard, the wine is fermented and aged for 11 months in oak barrels before extended maturation on lees. The Base 2018 release, disgorged in March 2021, was bottled unfined and unfiltered with a low dosage of around 2.5g/L, highlighting purity and site expression.
The nose reveals ripe pear, baked apple and yellow grapefruit alongside notes of raspberry, peach, almond pastry and wild herbs. The palate is vinous and beautifully textured, combining generous fruit with fine mousse, vibrant acidity and impressive complexity. Layers of citrus, stone fruit, subtle spice and mineral freshness unfold through a long, savoury finish. This is a serious Blanc de Noirs that showcases Pinot Meunier with uncommon depth, finesse and character.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A fascinating grower Champagne for lovers of terroir-driven, food-friendly styles. Complex, textural and highly expressive, it pairs beautifully with oysters, lobster, roast poultry, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses. Drinking superbly now, but it has the structure and concentration to continue evolving over the next 8–10 years, developing even greater complexity and nuance.
