Champagne

Located in the heart of the prestigious Côte des Blancs, Champagne de Sousa has been in existence for 3 generations. Spanning 11 hectares, the vines are planted in the renowned Grands Crus of Avize, Cramant, and Oger. Winemaker Erick de Sousa and his family are devoted to authenticity and quality, and their cultivation of older vines (50+ years), use of organic fertilizer, and respect for the terroir have produced exceptional wines at bargain prices since 1986. Certified organic since 2010 and certified Demeter biodynamic since 2013.

• AOC: Champagne
• Production: 70-75,000 bottles De Sousa and 30,000 Zoémie De Sousa
• Founded: Prior to 1890
• Acreage: 11 Ha
• Layout: 42 different lots
• Geology: 100% Chalk

Domaine de Sousa is committed to using older vines to produce excellent champagnes. For its cuvees prestiges, grapes are only selected from vines that are more than 50 years old, with very small yields (25-30% less than the appellation, for 8,000 vines per ha). For its other vintages, an average of 70% of vines 25 years or older are used. These vines produce small yields, but result in a strong expression of the soil, and good maturity of grapes.
These older vines have roots called “pivots” which descend up to 10 or 12 meters to extract salts and trace elements from the chalky soil. The deeper the root is, the farther away it is from fertilizers, and the more it extracts nutritive elements from the soil, which guarantees high quality grapes.

• Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers authorized by EC regulations
• Pruning: Chablis – Cordon de Royat
• Grapes: 30% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier, 60% Chardonnay (70% old vines)
• Average Age of Vines: Over 45 years of age
• Grafting: 41 B
• Yield per ha: according to the appellation, about 60 hectoliters per ha
• Plantation density: 8,000 vines/ha
• Plantation of New Vines: Only when necessary to replace older vines
• Antibotrytis Treatment: None
• Insecticide Spraying: Limited; only when necessary

Erick De Sousa, a subtle wine-maker, regulates the temperature at 18°C, in order to preserve the aroma of his wines. The 5.5 ha vineyard is harvested completely by hand, as late as possible, so as to pick the ripest grapes with the strongest fragrances.
When making his wine, he uses traditional methods taught to him by his father (a wine producer from a long line of them) who opted for malolactic fermentation to soften his wines. He also applies the old technique of a -4°C cold period with the aim of obtaining the clearest possible Champagne. Erick also applies his family know-how to the blending of the old wines to balance his wines and get consistent quality.

• Origin of yeast: Technical Oenological Center
• Fermentation time: 15 to 20 days
• Chaptalization: When necessary to obtain 11% alcohol
• Temperature Regulation: Immersed cooling coil
• Fermentation Temperature: 18°C
• Vats: Coated steel end barrels
• Cuvee Wine: 75% in 1992, 100% since then
• Filtration: Lightest possible
• Wine-maker: Erick De Sousa
• Oenological Advisor: James Darsonvilles

Vinification in coated steel vats preserves the authenticity of the soil. Domaine de Sousa managed to have one year of stock for the blendings. Since 1995, vinification is done in small oak barrels to give matter to the wine.

In the chalk cellar, the temperature is maintained at a consistent temperature of 10°C. The wine matures slowly in the darkness and perfect quietude.
2.5 years of production are kept in cellar as a buffer stock. The remuage is carried out manually.

Grape Varieties: 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier

Location: Vallee de la Marne, Cote des Blancs, region d’Epernay

Soil: Clay and chalk

Average Age of the Vines: 25-30 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% manual

Vinification: 100% in tank. No filtration/collage.

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C

Tasting Notes: This majority Chardonnay Champagne is lively and refreshing, with notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, ripe pears, and red berries.

Food Pairing: Seafood, cheese, poultry, salty crackers.

Grape Varieties: 92% Chardonnay de Grauves 1er Cru, and 8% Pinot Noir d’Ay Grand Cru

Soil: 100% Chalk

Average Age of the Vines: 25-30 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% Manually done

Vinification: 100% in tank, no filtration or fining.

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°c

Food Pairings: Salted crackers, desserts with red fruit

Tasting Notes: Fresh, full, and fruity.  The Chardonnay lends aromas of white flowers and a slight minerality, while the Pinot Noir gives notes of ripened berries.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Terroir: Cramant, Avize, Oger, Mesnil sur Oger and Chouilly Grand Cru

Soil: 100% Chalk

Average Age of the Vines: 43 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% Manually done

Vinification:100% in tank.  No filtration or fining

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°c

Food Pairings: Seafood, cheeses, salted crackers

Tasting Notes: This Champagne will delight you with its freshness, its elegant finesse, and its pure minerality.  Buttery notes of brioche, along with ripe citrus on the palate.

Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée 3A

Grape Varieties:

50% Chardonnay d’Avize–Located at the heart of the Côte des Blancs, Avize is a village classified as Grand Cru Chardonnay with soils comprised of the purest chalk in all of Champagne. It is also home to belemnite fossils, which date back millions of years and lend freshness, minerality, and finesse to this wine. This cuvée is made up of a selection of grapes harvested from 50-year-old vines, which are then carefully vinified in 225-liter oak barrels.

25% Pinot Noir d’Aÿ–A village classified as Grand Cru Pinot Noir, Aÿ is located where the Marne Valley meets the Mountain of Reims. The slopes’ unique, full southern exposure and irregular topography allow the Pinot Noir grape to express its aromas of ripe fruit with power and finesse. These vineyards are planted with ancient varietials of Pinot Noir that produce small fruit with unique aromas. This historic village boasts sedimentary and limestone soils in which there is a high proportion of chalk.

25% Pinot Noir d’Ambonnay–Ambonnay, a village classified as a Grand Cru Pinot Noir, is located on the Mountain of Reims-a vast, forest covered plateau where the grape vines are planted in chalky soils. The forest plays the role of balancing the cold evening air that descends onto the plateau with the warm air produced during the day that rises toward the summit. The vines used were originally planted in the 1950s; they have low yields, but the grapes show greater maturity and more concentration. Unlike Chardonnay, a fragile, delicate varietal, Pinot Noir is vigorous and is well-adapted to limestone soils to yield wines that stand out for their power and consistency. The aromas are very elegant, boasting red berry notes.

Name: Avize, Aÿ, and Ambonnay are the only three villages in Champagne classified as Grand Cru whose name begins with an “A”. This explains how this cuvée got its name, but what makes it unique is its composition of 50% Chardonnay from Avize blended with 50% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Ambonnay.

Terroir: Cote des Blanc and Montagne de Reims

Soil: 100% Chalk

Average Age of the Vines: 25-30 years

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% manually done

Vinification: 50% in tank and 50% in oak barrel.  No filtration or fining.

Cellaring: 3-8 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°c

Food Pairing: Seafood, cheeses, poultry

Tasting Notes: The Cuvée 3A weds the finesse of the Chardonnay to the fullness of the Pinot Noir.  Notes of lemon and pineapple on the nose, and buttery hints from the partial oak aging.  There are also notes of blackcurrant and raspberry.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Terroir: Côte des Blancs en Grand cru

Soil: 100% chalk

Average Age of Vines: More than 60 years

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% manually done

Vinification: 100% oak barrels.  No filtration or collage.

Cellaring: 8-15 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C

Food Pairings: Seafood, aged cheeses.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in color. The nose is elegant, delicately punctuated by woodsy aromas. This polished Champagne offers creamy texture and harmonious structure. The oak notes are present but well integrated.

Location: Avize, Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs.  Located to the south/southeast of Épernay.

Lieu Dit: Les Pierres Vaudons is a plot situated on the southern edge of Grand Cru Avize, just above Grand Cru Oger.

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Average Age of the Vines: 50+ years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Vinification: A selection of the best juices from the pressing of old vines. 10 months of vinification in oak barrels. Use of indigenous yeasts and no filtration. Batonnages in barrels and 2 poignettages (shaking/moving of the bottles) in the cellar. Stabilization in the cellar after 12 months of disgorgement.

Aging: 7 years maturation in cellar

Cellaring: 15-20 years

Winemaker Tasting Notes: “Pale gold color. At the start, a rich expression of dried fruits, biscuits, and almond cookies. Beyond that, more root elements are defined: green anise, fennel, wet stone, and copper. After breathing for a bit, syrupy and liqueur-like essences (limoncello, acacia syrup) are revealed, with hints of mushroom, cigar, and blond tobacco. On the palate, there is a fatty richness and almost nuttiness. Notes of blond caramel, dried leaves, and earthy mushrooms.”

Location: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs.  Located to the south/southeast of Épernay.

Lieu Dit: Les Chetillons is a small plot situated on a hillside in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger facing east/northeast.

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Average Age of the Vines: 50+ years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Vinification: A selection of the best juices from the pressing of old vines. 10 months of vinification in oak barrels. Use of indigenous yeasts and no filtration. Batonnages in barrels and 2 poignettages (shaking/moving of the bottles) in the cellar. Stabilization in the cellar after 12 months of disgorgement.

Aging: 7 years maturation in cellar

Cellaring: 15-20 years

Winemaker Tasting Notes: “Golden yellow color. The first aromas are immediate and precise: carbon and pencil lead. This is followed by fresh cut white flowers, spring humus, sweet spices, iodine, lemony salt, apricot, mirabelle plum, and butter cookie. The finish is slightly smoky, with hints of pure gray salt and the sweet fragrances of white truffles and cashew nuts. Tenderness, richness, and smoothness contrast the palate with a tense tangy flavor, sharpened by green citrus, and yellow and green apples.”

Grape Varieties: 90% Chardonnay d’Avize and 10% Pinot d Noir d’Aÿ

Terroir: Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims Grand Crus

Soil: 100% Chalk

Average Age of the Vines: More than 60 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% manually done

Aging: 100% oak barrels.  No filtration or collage.

Cellaring: 8-15 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C

Food Pairings: Oysters, veal, poultry, fruit-based desserts

Tasting Notes: Cuvée des Caudalies Rosé will delight you with its finesse and subtle aromas of fresh raspberries and kirsch cherry, as well as its buttered and toasted notes brought by its aging in oak barrels.

Overview: The use of horse and plow among the vines minimizes soil compaction, thereby contributing to the development of mycorrhizae.  Mycorrhizae, or “mycorhize“, is the name for a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and plant. The fungus grows on the roots of the vine, which gives the vine increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities.  In turn, the fungus benefit from the carbohydrates formed from photosynthesis of the vine.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Terroir: Les Hauts Nemery Grand Cru d’Avize

Soil: 100% chalk

Average Age of Vines: More than 60 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% manually done

Vinification: 100% oak barrels.  No filtration or collage.

Cellaring: 8-15 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°c

Food Pairings: Seafood, poultry, aged cheeses, sushi

Tasting Notes: This is an elegant Champagne; the minerality and aromas of nuts, acacia, linden, honey, and a subtle hint of raspberry.  It has vibrant energy that reflects the terroir of Avize.

Overview: This Cuvée from De Sousa is inspired by but also completely embodies the term “umami”, which originates in Japan.  Umami is the 5th basic flavor, along with sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and bitterness, and is hard to define exactly, but is best described as being a delicious, savory taste.  This champagne can be described as such as it is characterized by its rich, velvety texture, depth of flavor, elegant minerality, and sapidity.

The Vines: The biodynamic techniques employed by the winemakers contribute greatly to the resulting flavor of the wine by increasing the life of the soil, facilitating the development of mycorrhizae which aid the vines in water retention and nutrient absorption, producing grapes that are richer in sugar, maturing acids, and harvesting grapes that have reached their full physiological maturity.  The vines used for this Cuvée are more than 50 years old with low yields.

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Vinification: The vinification process incorporates indigenous yeasts, after which the wine is matured in 225L oak barrels, with stirring of the fine lees.

Grape Varietals: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir

Soil: Chalk

Tasting Notes: The Umami has an intense and captivating bouquet, with caramel and toasted bread aromas.  The Chardonnay grapes contribute elegant notes of apple and pear, while the Pinot Noir grapes lend black currant and raspberry savors.  This champagne leaves a soft, long-lasting sensation on the palate, and has a delicate salinity which awakens the taste buds and causes slight salivation in the mouth.  The density and vibrant minerality of this wine is imparted by the quality of sugars, glycerol, ripe acids, and alcohol.

Grape Varieties: 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir

Terroir: Vallée de la Marne, Coteaux du Vitryat, and région d’Epernay

Soil: Clay and chalk

Average Age of Vines: 15-40 years

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% manual

Vinification: 100% tank

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 8-10°c

Food Pairings: Cheese, poultry, salty crackers, fish.

Tasting Notes: Ideal as an aperitif, this champagne will delight you with notes of citrus fruit, apples, candied pears, and quince. Beautiful presence in the mouth, with a balance between enveloping warmth and invigorating freshness.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Terroir: Avize, Oger en Grand Cru

Soil: 100% chalk

Average Age of Vines: 35 years

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% Manual

Vinification: 100% tank

Serving Temperature: 8-10°c

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Food Pairings: Sea food and cheese

Tasting Notes: Notes of brioche, white flower and citrus essence. On the palate, one finds round notes and the vivacity of the terroir chalky. It will accompany seafood products with refinement.

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Terroir: Avize Grand Cru

Soil: 100% chalk

Lieu Dit: Pierres Vaudons

Average Age of the Vines: 35 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% Manual

Aging: 11 months in oak barrels. No filtration or fining.

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 10-12°C

Food Pairings: Seafood, especially sushi, and various cheeses

Label: The label was made by a Burgundian artist: Joyce Delimata. The vines in the image come from the plots selected for the elaboration of the Coteaux Champenois.

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Terroir: Ambonnay Grand Cru

Lieu Dit: Les Haut des Bermonts

Soil: 100% chalk

Average Age of the Vines: 70 years old

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic. Horse plowing.

Harvest: 100% Manual

Vinification: Total destemming. Gentle maceration and pumping over for 8 days. Indigenous yeast.

Aging: 100% oak barrels. No fining or filtration.

Cellaring: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 12°C

Food Pairings: Pork, veal, wild fowl

Label: The label was made by a Burgundian artist: Joyce Delimata. The vines in the image come from the plots selected for the elaboration of the Coteaux Champenois.

Champagne Eric Maître has been a family-owned business since the 1860s, dedicated to preserving the age-old traditions of Champagne-making in the Côte des Bar.  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eric Maître, his wife Daniella, and the entire Maître family, today the estate is an award-winning Maison de Champagne producing authentic and high-quality Champagnes made from Pinot Noir cultivated in Celles-sur-Ource.

Located in the heart of Aube in the southern part of the Champagne region, Celles-sur-Ource is a historic and privileged place.  Blessed with a terroir rich in clay-limestone, it is ideal for the production of fresh and delicate Champagne.  About 400 hectares of vines are grown by the Champagne makers of the village, which makes Celles-sur-Ource one of the thriving centers of the Champagne Aubois.  Each year, the village produces more than 3 million bottles of Champagne.

Eric Maître took over his family estate at the end of the 1980s and launched his brand in 1995.  He cultivates approximately 8 hectares of Pinot Noir vines and uses sustainable farming methods as much as possible to respect the health of the consumer and to protect this extraordinary terroir.

Soil: Clay-limestone

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Average Age of Vines: 40 years old

2021 Release Vintage Blend: From the 2017 vintage, as well as grapes from the 2 preceding years.

Vinification: Natural settling.  Alcoholic fermentation for approximately 2 weeks at low temperature.  Vinification on lees.  Malolactic fermentation natural and complete.  Minimal use of sulfur.  Prise de mousse at low temperature.

Aging: Remains in the cellar for 3 years at a high level.

Dosage: 8 g/L

Tasting Notes: It has a floral and fruity bouquet, with great freshness and a definite minerality on the palate. Notes of cherry, stone, brioche, and honey. It is complex, structured, and vibrant without being harsh. Lovely persistence on the finish.

Overview: These same vineyards have been cultivated since 1869 by the Maître family, at the heart of Côte des Bar, on clay-limestone soils with the best exposure. All the plots of the vineyard are vinified separately before blending.

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Average Age of the Vines: 40 years old

Vinification: This Brut Rosé is made using the saignée or “bleeding” method; it is more labor intensive than the typical assemblage process. The pigment from the red grape skins is released into the blend during the pressing, and the longer the skin contact, the darker the Champagne will be. A Brut Rosé de Saignée will typically be a darker color than an assemblage Brut Rosé. Maître’s Rosé is vatted for 3 days. Alcoholic fermentation lasts approximately 2 weeks at low temperatures. Vinification on the lees. 100% malolactic fermentation. Minimal use of sulfur. “Prise de Mousse” at low temperature.

Aging: Matured in bottle for a minimum of 20 months.

Winemaker Tasting Notes: “This Champagne Rosé is produced using the ‘saignée’ method. It is characterized by its authenticity, its beautiful raspberry pink color with orange highlights, and its delicious nose with delicate notes of red fruit. There is intense freshness on the palate with red fruit aromas (raspberry, Morello) and final notes of citrus fruit.”

Food Pairings: Ideal as an aperitif or with dessert, like fruit salad or a fruit crumble.

Dosage: 11 g/l

Serving Temperature: 8°C

For centuries, Sillery has been known as the region which produces some of the most sought after Champagnes in the world. Right at the heart of this renowned terroir, you will find Champagne François Secondé, a vineyard covering an area of just over 5 hectares and located in Sillery, Mailly-Champagne, Puisieulx, and Verzenay. François Secondé is an independent wine maker (vigneron independant), and the only récoltant manipulant (one whose grapes are not sourced, but come from his own vineyard) and producer of pure Sillery Champagne.

At the age of 14, François Secondé left school and started to work as an apprentice in a vineyard. He bought his first vineyard in 1972, and in 1976, he increased his plot to 3 hectares. With the help of his wife Anne-Marie, he started producing his own Champagne. Today, Champagne François Secondé vineyard is 5.5 hectares and harvests two grape varietals: 2/3 Pinots noir, and 1/3 Chardonnay. The vines are 37 years of age on average and are farmed in a sustainable way with respect to both nature and man.  As of 2023, François Secondé uses zero herbicides or insecticides on the entire vineyard.

Sillery became renowned at the beginning of the 17th century thanks to Nicolas Brûlart–owner of Sillery Castle and vineyard. He was Henry IV’s Chancellor and this connection helped him to get his wine tasted by the king and his inner circle. At its peak in the 18th century, Sillery’s reputation was reported by Edme Béguillet, attorney to the parliament of Dijon, oenologist, and famous for his dislike of Champagne’s wine makers. He said of Sillery wines that “their quality is so superior that only the king deserves them”.

Cru: Sillery

Average Age of Vines: 38 years

Location: Montagne de Reims

Grape Varietals: 2/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Chardonnay, and 30% reserve wines

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation

Maturation: 18-24 months with manual riddling

Base Vintage: 2017

Dosing to Disgorgement: 8 g/l

Characteristics: Golden yellow hue, highlighted by a string of sparkling bubbles. The nose is mineral and floral with notes of freshly baked pastries. The palate is balanced with hints of rich, lightly toasted brioche, and exotic fruit. To be served chilled at a temperature of about 8 °C.

Awards: 

• Silver Medal Decanter World Wine Awards 2019
• Silver Medal 2012 Independant Winemakers Competition
• Silver Medal 2014 Brussels World Competition

Cru: Sillery

Average Age of  Vines: 38 years

Location: Montagne de Reims

Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir with 20% reserve wines

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation

Maturation: 24 months with manual riddling

Base Vintage: 2017

Dosage to Disgorgement: 8 g/l

Yield: 4,000 bottles per year

Characteristics: Clean, well-defined rosé; floral, subtle, quite pure, with a creamy texture on the palate.  The bubbles have finesse and linger on the tongue. Serve as an aperitif or with desserts made with red fruit.

Awards:

• Gold Medal 2014 Paris General Agriculture Competition
• Gold Medal 2015 Paris General Agriculture Competition
• Silver Medal 2015 Independant Winemakers Competition

Cru: Sermiers 1er Cru

Average Age of the Vines: 20 years old

Location: This plot is located on the north side of the Montagne de Reims

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vinification: Completed in tanks with the use of malolactic fermentation.

Aging: Aged in vats and in barrels.  18 months in cellar.  Manual riddling.

Annual Yield: 1,000 bottles per year

Tasting Notes: Mineral and floral, with a creamy texture and very fine bubble.

Serving Suggestion: Perfect when served as an aperitive or with a meal.  Serve in large glasses in order for the Champagne to be fully expressed.

Cru: Sillery Grand Cru

Location: Montagne de Reims

Age of the Vines: 47 years old (this Champagne is produced from 1 single plot)

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation in tanks followed by a period in barrels. No filtration.

Aging: The wine is left to rest in the cellar for a minimum of 36 months with manual riddling.

Tasting Notes: Clear, brilliant golden color with intense and persistent bubbles. The bouquet is powerful and fresh with aromas of acacia, candied fruit, and honeysuckle. The mouth is elegant, with notes of white flowers, spice, and citrus. Very beautiful aromatic persistence; balanced and harmonious.

Serving Suggestion: Excellent as an aperitif or to accompany lobster or white meats.

Cru: Sillery Grand Cru

Location: Montagne de Reims; this cuvée is produced from the finest Pinot Noir plots in Sillery

Average Age of the Vines: 38 years old

Varietal Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation in tanks, followed by a brief period in barrels.

Aging: 18-24 months with manual riddling

Average Yield: 2,000 bottles/year

Tasting Notes: Golden yellow color. The fineness of this Champagne is evident beginning with the quality of the bubbles which form a persistent mousse at the rim. Powerful yet refined on the nose, the bouquet opens with notes of red fruit and fresh pastries. On the palate, there is a delightful effervescence which complements the unctuous, fruity quality of this Champagne. Very well balanced cuvée which can be consumed either as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to the main meal.

Awards:

• Silver Medal IWC (International Wine Challenge) 2019
• Silver Medal DECANTER World Wine Awards 2019

Location: The village of Puisieulx was classified as Grand Cru; the vineyard has a surface area of less than 18 hectares and is positioned towards the southeast. The soil is light and chalky.

Average Age of Vines: 47 years

Grape Varietals: 50 % Chardonnay, 50 % Pinot Noir

Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation

Maturation: 24 months minimum

Characteristics: Intense nose and fine aromas of mature fruit with a touch of vanilla. Delicate on the palate with a beautiful minerality

Cru: Sillery

Grape Varietals: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sillery

Vinification: Vinification in wooden vats and barrels with malolactic fermentation; unfiltered

Maturation: Aged in wooden barrels for at least one year before bottling

Characteristics: Golden color, aromas of citrus, vanilla, and exotic fruit on the nose. The attack is fresh, and this vintage holds its body well on the finish. Pairs well with cold starters, oysters, as well as fresh chevre. Served chilled at 7-8 ° C.

Cru: Sillery Grand Cru

Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Average Age of the Vines: 60 years old

Location: Montagne de Reims

Vinification: Long fermentation with 2 pumpings per day; Vinification in wooden vats and barrels with malolactic fermentation; Unfiltered.

Maturation: Aging in wooden barrels and vats for at least one year

Characteristics: Ruby red color; this wine is fresh, fruity, and light. Drink now with grilled meat or red fruit desserts. Served chilled at 8 °C

Clavier Brut

Located in the Premier Cru village of Écueil on the west bank of the “Petite Montagne de Reims”, these vines have belonged to the Lacourte & Godbillion families for generations.  The very first planting of Champagne vines was prior to 1947, however Jean-Guy Lacourte and Claudine Godbillon had their very first harvest under the name Lacourte-Godbillion in 1968.  In 2006, almost 40 years later, Richard Desvignes and Geraldine Lacourte decided to leave their executive city jobs to come back to the family vineyard.  This new life of wine making has been a total revelation for them, and they strive to follow the philosphy of their ancestor, Jean-Guy Lacourte: “Only the highest quality grapes can produce a high quality wine.”  The estate now includes 20.5 acres of vines (95% planted in Écueil, 5% in the neighboring village of Les Mesneux).

The vineyards are worked exclusively by Lacourte-Godbillion’s team.  They plow during the winter to break up the soil, and mow the grass between the vine rows to maintain and develop soil vitality.  The vineyards are certified organic and demeter; there is no use of any pesticides, weedkillers, or other anti-botrytis treatments.  Their goal is to control the number of buds and shoots so that new growth is consistent and well spaced out.  Care is taken to separate out the shoots; keeping the vine canopy well aerated with no overcrowding of leaves or grape bunches results in only the highest quality grapes.  Harvest is done manually.

Surface Area: 8 ha
Average Age of Vines: 30 years old
Grapes Varietals: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay

This particular terroir is characterized by an incredibly diverse sub-soil. Some sections are predominantly sandy over a layer of deep chalk, others are composed of “Sparnacian” clay and shallow chalk at the bottom of the hillside, similar to the soils of Les Mesneux.

Lacourte-Godbillon has a clear vision for their winery: a wine must reflect its terroir.  The wood for the oak barrels either comes from Ecueil’s forest or from Champagne-Ardenne.  The harvest from each plot is pressed and vinified separately and the juice is not pumped, but moved by gravity as far as possible to allow the resulting wine to retain its intrinsic qualities.

The fermentation process is temperature-controlled and monitored daily.  The wine is left in tank or barrel in contact with the lees for the autumnal season.  No racking is done in order to develop complexity and unique personality.  For the wine fermented in oak barrels, no stirring or filtering is carried out.  The chilling process is done outside to utilize the seasonal cold temperatures.

The bottles are aged in the cellar for 30 months and up to 7 years.  This is followed by an average resting time of 3-6 months after the yeast deposits have been removed by disgorgement.  The optimum dosage for each wine in each year is decided by several trial tastings.  The objective is to find the best possible balance as each wine is a living being with its own character.

Grape Blend: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay

Viticulture: The soil is worked mechanically; plowing under the vines, and grass between the rows.

Harvest: Manual

Average Age of the Vines: 30 years old

Vinification: Temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, malolactic fermentation carried out

Aging: Minimum of 30 months on lees and 3 months after disgorgement

Cellaring Potential: 3-5 years

Serving Suggestion: An excellent choice for all occasions, ideal served as an apéritif. Serve at 8°-9° C.

Grape Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Cru: Ecueil

Average Age of the Vines: 25 years old

Viticulture: Ploughing under the vines and grass between the rows.

Vinification: 90% in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks, 10% in oak barrels (228l).

Aging: Minimum of 4 years on lees and 6 months after disgorgement.

Grape Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Soil: Sand and clay sub-soil. Mid-slope position

Average Age of the Vines: 30 years old

Viticulture: The soil is worked mechanically.

Harvest: Manual harvesting.

Vinification: Temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, malolactic fermentation prevented for the Chardonnay.

Aging: 6 years minimum in our cellars.

Aging Potential: 5 years

Tasting Notes: Golden straw color. The nose has intense aromas of stone fruits (mirabelle plum), toast, and brioches notes. On the palate, this wine is ample and intense on the attack followed by freshness and tension with notes of citrus.

Food Pairings: Veal chops cooked medium-rare, sea bass

Serving Temperature: 10°-12° C

Grape Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard: “Chaillots” plot planted in 1966, massal selection of pinot d’Ecueil, sand on the surface and tuf in the depth. South exposition, ploughing under the vines and grass between the rows.

Vinification: Fermentation in 300 l oak barrels, oak from Ecueil’s forest. No malolactic fermentation. Use of gravity exclusively, not filtered, not fined,  natural cold stabilization.

Aging: Minimum of 48 months on lees and 6 months after disgorgement.

Tasting: A lovely balance of yellow plum fruit and an incisive, well-judged structure from the barrel fermentation. Open and long texture. Lily and smoke and the whiff of baking, with a fresh lemon-oil note on the end.

Grape Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard: Mid-slope “Chaillots” and “Hautes Vignes” plots, aged 40 years, ploughing under the vines and grass between the rows.

Vinification: Fermentation in 228 liter oak barrels.  No malolactic fermentation.  Use of gravity exclusively, not filtered, not fined, natural cold stabilization.

Aging: Minimum of 36 months on lees and 6 months after disgorgement.

Tasting Notes: Gentle nose of lemon-butter and smoldering sweet smoke. Starts urgently, gaining instant attention, so fresh and dry! Complex and creamy. Gorgeous, sweet, sponge-cake and almond notes to sign off.

Vineyard Plots: This Champagne is produced from plots in Ecueil and Mesneux: Mont Âme & Migerats.

Soil: Chalk (Mont Âme) and light clay (Migerats)

Average Age of the Vines: 55 year old Sélection Massales

Grape Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Vinification: Base wine aged in 300-liter barrels after pressing and spontaneous fermentation, no malo.  No fining or filtration.

Aging: Aged for five years on lattes.

Tasting Notes: Complex with lemony, buttery, and pastry notes. Vibrant saline finish.

Grape Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Mid-slope plots, 40 years average age, ploughing under the vines, and grass between the rows.

Vinification: 60% in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks, 40% in oak barrels (228l), no malolactic fermentation.

Aging: Minimum of 40 months on lees and 6 months after disgorgement.

Tasting Notes: Concentrated, intense nose of yellow fruits, sweet spice. Precise structure and meaty substance of Pinot d’Ecueil. Vibrant, high pitched, and persistent texture. Accomplished modern champagne, wholly expressive of Ecueil.

The Rodez family has been making wine for nine generations, beginning as far back as 1757.  The estate of Champagne Rodez is located in the Grand Cru that is Ambonnay, the heart of Pinot Noir country, and spans an area of 6.12 hectares.  The property consists of 35 parcels of vines, and the grape varietals planted are 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay.  The vineyards are planted at a fairly high altitude (about 130 meters), and are situated on a clay-limestone soil, two factors which are ideal for growing Pinot Noir.

Eric Rodez, current vineyard manager and head oenologist for the estate, has worn many hats in his day.  Not only was he at one time the Mayor of Ambonnay, but he was also formerly an oenologist at Krug where he developed his winemaking/blending methods that would later be employed on his own estate.  Eric, along with his wife Martine and son Mickael, manages all aspects of the winemaking process at Champagne Rodez.

It was while traveling in Alsace and other wine growing regions that Eric gained an appreciation for organic and biodynamic vineyard practices.  It is through these methods that he believes the resulting wine truly expresses the characteristics of the terroir.  Eric hesitates to use the word organic, because he is not certified, but as a grower he uses no pesticides, fertilizers, or synthetic sprays on his plants.  In 2012, Champagne Rodez was the first French agricultural domaine to receive the Haute Valeur Environmentale certificate for their efforts towards organic and biodynamic farming and water management on the estate.  In the vineyard, Eric plows his soils and limits his yields through careful pruning.  Vinification is done in either oak barrels or enameled steel vats.  The annual production of the estate is about 45,000 bottles.

Overview: Champagne of body and spirit made by the marriage of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.  Straight, round, generous, the Cuvée des Crayères is made on average from a dozen different wines from 4 to 5 different vintages, with 50 to 55% of the wines vinified in small oak barrels, with 65 to 70% reserve wines helping to bring homogeneity.

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Terroir d’Ambonnay-Les Grandes Ruelles, Les Bouités, La pierre aux Larrons, Les Cheminots, Les Secs, Les Fournettes, Les Agusons, Les Beurys, Les Hauts Tourets

Average Age of the Vines: 30 years old

Vinification: Out of tank for 42%, out of barrels 58%.  Partial malolactic fermentation (with malo 65% and without 35%)

Tasting Notes: This Champagne has a delightful golden hue with luminous highlights.  The nose reveals floral and mineral notes and, upon aeration, red and white fruit savors.  The palate is fresh and generous, playing with notes of spring berries.

The Vines: In the vineyard, Eric plows his soils and limits his yields through careful pruning.

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Vinification: Vinification takes place in either oak barrels or enameled steel vats.

Aging: 80% of the wines are matured in small oak barrels and are composed of 30% reserve wines

Tasting Notes: Golden color. Long, complex, but also sensual, the nose has hints of white fruit. The palate is creamy with notes of exotic fruit on the finish. This cuvee combines power and strength without added sugar.

Overview: This brut Champagne is the achievement of the association of the Pinot Noir of maceration (40%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Chardonnay (30%), the latter bringing delicacy and elegance. The winemaker also resorts to the stored wines, up to 40%.

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir of maceration, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Les Grandes Ruelles, Le Moulin, Les Bouités, La Pierre aux Larrons, Les Cheminots, Les Hauts Tourets

Average Age of Vines: 32 years

Vinification: Out of tank for 20%, out of barrels 80%.  Partial malolactic fermentation (with malo 49% and without 51%)

Tasting Notes: The color is marked by the maceration of Pinot Noir.  The nose is complex, powerful, long, with a predominance of red berry notes.  The palate is smooth and powerful, with hints of subtle oak.

Overview: This is a brut Champagne produced exclusively out of several harvests of Chardonnay, from different years.  For this cuvée, the winemaker usually blends 5 or 6 vintaged productions in order to ensure the same delicacy along the years.  This Champagne is very flowery, delicate, and sensual.

Vineyard Plots: Terroir d’Ambonnay, “Regions of Heart in Mid-Coast”: Les Secs, La Loge, Les Genettes, Les Morins, Les Champsaults. “Regions of Spirit”: Les Crayères, Les Agusons, Les Cheminots, La Grande Ruelle

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Average Age of the Vines: 31 years old

Vinification: Out of tank for 18%, out of barrels 82%.  Partial malolactic fermentation (with malo 20% and without 80%)

Tasting Notes: It is of a subdued gold color, with touches of green.  The nose is both fruity and floral, and expresses hints of chestnut after swirling.  The attack is good, vinous, with an elegant gustatory persistence.

Overview: This brut Champagne is produced from Pinot Noir harvests only.  For this cuvée, the winemaker generally blends 5 to 6 vintaged productions to make sure the cuvée will keep its character.  It is even better-balanced and meatier than the Blanc de Blancs.  It is complex, with a slight hint of red fruit, very elegant, offering a longer finish.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Terroir d’Ambonnay, “Regions of heart in Mid-Coast”: Les Beurys du Haut, Les Goisses, Les Secs, Les Fournettes, Les Genettes, Les Hauts Touret, Les Vaux Saint Basles.  “Regions of Spirit”: La Pierre aux Larons, Les Bouités, Les Grandes Ruelles

Average Age of the Vines: 33 years old

Vinification: Out of tank for 20%, out of barrels 80%.  Partial malolactic fermentation (with malo 30% and without 70%)

Tasting Notes: Light gold in color, with shades of copper.  It offers a fruity nose, together with flavors recalling spring after rotation.  The attack is dense, meaty, filling the palate with flavors of citrus fruit.

Overview: This Champagne is exclusively made out of the juices from several years’ first pressings of the best vintaged productions.  Among the choices of wines offered by Champagne Rodez, the Cuvée des Grands Vintages is the Champagne one wishes to offer to celebrate the important moments of one’s life, with its golden color, with hints of copper and sometimes of light orange.

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Average Age of the Vines: 34 years old

Vineyard Plots: Les Secs, Les Beurys, Les Goisses, Les Genettes, Les Vaux Saint Basle, Les Fournettes, Le Noyer Saints Pys, Les Morrins

Vinification: Out of barrels 100%; no malolactic fermentation

Tasting Notes: The expressive nose will immediately reveal enticing aromas of toffee and marmalade.  It benefits from a good cellaring potential, the elegance of which will be appreciated through a full, powerful, and flavorsome palate.

Overview: This wine is the culmination of work begun over 25 years ago and expresses the soul of the noble terroir from which it is produced.  The role of the winemaker is limited to respecting the integrity of and working with the terroir.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Beurys

Exposure: East

Average Age of the Vines: 35 years old

Vinification: In small oak barrels, no malolactic fermentation, no artificial refrigeration, no filtration

Tasting Notes: This wine has a sensuality which comes from the terroir and is supported by a minerality that comes from the chalk present in the soils

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Beurys 95%, Les Secs 5%

Exposure: Les Beurys – East; Les Secs – South.

Soil before Chalk: 35 cm

Average Age of the Vines: 38 years old

Vinification: 100% in small oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation, no industrial cold stabilization, or filtration.

Overview: The result of over 25 years of work on the domain, the «Lieux Dits» are Champagne cuvees that reveal the complexities of the soil from which they originate. The role of the winemaker is limited to respecting the original musical integrity.  The name of the plot, “La Pierre aux Larrons,” refers to a stone located in a wasteland, hearkening back to the Gallo-Roman era.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Soil: 55 cm deep layer of soil before chalk

Exposure: East

Average Age of the Vines: 42 Years

Harvest:  October

Vinification: 100% in small oak barrels.  No malolactic fermentation, no industrial cold stabilizing, no filtration – but a lot of passion.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Les Genettes is a plot in Ambonnay with a southeastern exposure and slightly deeper soils than Les Beurys.

Exposition: Southeast

Soil Before Chalk: 45 cm

Average Age of the Vines: 39 years old

Harvest: September

Vinification: In small oak barrels, no malolactic fermentation, no artificial refrigeration, no filtration

Aging: 5 years on the lees

Post-Disgorgement Aging: 1 Year

Tasting Notes: Fresh notes of crisp apple, zesty grapefruit, and balanced oak at the start. 5 years of aging on the lees lends a roundness and lovely texture to the mouthfeel. Elegant minerality and a long, lingering finish.

Overview: This wine is the culmination of work begun over 25 years ago and expresses the soul of the noble terroir from which it is produced.  The role of the winemaker is limited to respecting the integrity of and working with the terroir.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Genettes is a plot in Ambonnay with a southeastern exposure and slightly deeper soils than Les Beurys.

Average Age of the Vines: 41 years old

Vinification: In small oak barrels, no malolactic fermentation, no artificial refrigeration, no filtration

Tasting Notes: Tasty and sweet, this wine sees all its generosity enhanced by minerality provided by the methods of the winemakers.

Vineyard Plots: Les Fournettes is a southeast-facing parcel on the western side of the village where the topsoils are deeper, about 65 centimeters.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Average Age of the Vines: 27 years old

Tasting Notes: Chalky minerality, elegant vinosity, and fruitiness.

Vinification: Vinified in small oak barrels; no malolactic fermentation

Overview: This Champagne is a pure expression of this single plot of terroir called La Grande Ruelle.

Exposure: East

Average Age of the Vines: 35+ years old

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Vinification: In small oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation, no cold stabilization, no filtration.

Aging: Sur lies for 5 years.

Overview: Always vintage, this Champagne is produced from a blend of 5 to 7 parcels of the domain. Empreinte expresses the winemaker’s vision of the vintage in Ambonnay.

Vinification: In small oak barrels, no malolactic fermentation, no cold stabilization, no filtration.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Le Noyer Saint Pys, Les Secs, Les Agusons, Les Champsaults

Average Age of the Vines: 39 years old

Tasting Notes: The single grape variety of Empreinte de Terroir seeks only to emphasize the characteristics of the vineyard terroir, across the vineyards, and waltzing across the vintages.  For some vintages, the comparison of varieties bring an extra dimension.  Clear, bright gold color.  The bouquet expresses floral notes and fragrances of young, white peach. The finish is long with lovely, woodsy notes of bark and vanilla.

Overview: Always vintage, this Champagne is produced from a blend of 5 to 7 parcels of the domain. Empreinte expresses the winemaker’s vision of the vintage in Ambonnay.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Gennettes, Les Beurys, La Goisse, Les Bouités

Average Age of the Vines: 42 years old

Vinification: 100% small oak barrels; no malolactic fermentation, no cold stabilization, no filtration.

Tasting Notes: The single grape variety of Empreinte de Terroir seeks only to emphasize the characteristics of the vineyard terroir, across the vineyards, and waltzing across the vintages.  For some vintages, the comparison of varieties bring an extra dimension.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Plot: Les Beurys

Exposition: East

Soil Before Chalk: 35 cm

Average Age of the Vines: 40 Years

Harvest: September

Vinification: Maceration for 3 days. 100% vinified in small oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation.

Grape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Les Fournettes, Noyer Saint Pys

Exposition: South

Soil (before chalk): 55 cm

Average Age of the Vines: 42 years old

Harvest: September

Vinification: Maceration for 2 days. 100% in barrels. No malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes: Notes of ripened red and black fruits permeate the bouquet, complemented by an infusion of spices. This is an exceptionally elegant and delicate Champagne – perfect on its own or served as an aperitif.

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Beurys, Les Goisses, Les Secs, Les Fournettes, Les Genettes, Les Bas Tourets, Les Vaus Saint Basless, La Pierre aux Larrons, La Grande Ruelle

Average Age of the Vines: 32 years old

Bottling Date: Spring 2008

Vintage Blend: 45% 2007, 30% 2006, 13% 2005, 8% 2004, 2% 2002, 2% 2000

Vinification: 75% in barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation (35%)

Dosage: 4 g/L

Bottling Date: Spring 2010

Grape Variety: 58% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Terroir d’Ambonnay – Les Grandes Ruelles, Le Moulin, Les Champsaults, Le Noyer Saint Pys, Les Secs, Les Fournettes, La Pierre aux Larrons, Les Agusons, Les Beurys

Average Age of the Vines: 29 years old

Vintage Blend: 42% 2009, 26% 2008, 11% 2007, 9% 2006, 10% 2005, 2% 2004

Vinification: 35% in barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation (35%)

Dosage: 5 g/L

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard Plots: Terroir d’Ambonnay – Le Noyer Saint Pys, Les Morins, Les Genettes, Les Champsaults, Les Secs, Les Bermonts, Les Crayeres, Les Agusons, Les Cheminots.

Average Age of the Vines: 32 years old

Vintage Blend: 41% 2007, 20% 2006, 17% 2005, 15% 2004, 3% 2003, 4% 2002

Vinification: 70% in barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation (30%)

Dosage: 5 g/L

Overview: Long before it was famous for the effervescence of its wines, Champagne produced still wines. In the 17th century, the vineyard extended over more than 55,000 hectares, and white wines represented the majority of production. With this red wine, Coteaux Champenois, the winemaker would like to express other sensory notes derived from the vineyard.

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Bouités

Harvest: September

Vinification: 100% in oak barrels

Tasting Notes: Elegant, fruity, and fresh. The tannins are well balanced and the mouthfeel is remarkable.

Overview: Long before it was famous for the effervescence of its wines, Champagne produced still wines. In the 17th century, the vineyard extended over more than 55,000 hectares, and white wines represented the majority of production. With this red wine, Coteaux Champenois, the winemaker would like to express other sensory notes derived from the vineyard.

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard Plots: Les Hauts Tourets

Vinification: 100% in oak barrels

Winemaker Tasting Notes: “Ratafia is an authentic moment of pure sweetness and pleasure. First discovered in the 13th century, It is made traditionally from Champenois grape juice with the addition of alcohol. Real amber nectar, Ratafia de Champagne reveals a nose full of finesse with pear and honey aromas. Its rounded, silky, and agreeably vivacious mouthfeel leaves an impression of freshness all the way up to a long finish. Lightly spiced and brimming with fruit flavors.”

Release Date: Spring 2022

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Vintage Blend: A blend of vintages between 2015 and 2020.

Aging: 100% in barrel.