Wines and spirits Champagne-Ardenne

Welcome to this warm and friendly domain managed by Pauline and Sébastien. Their vineyard is certified HVE and VDC, two labels that guarantee the quality of their daily eco-responsible approach. A short phone call is welcome, allowing these busy harvesters and handlers to free themselves to better welcome you. The range is composed of 4 very well worked wines. Special mention to the Prestige cuvée, a fresh and syrupy wine.

Are you looking for a good bottle or local specialities? Welcome to Drink's, the Wolf's Watering Hole! This wine merchant from Vouzin offers a fine selection of red, white and rosé wines from all over France, as well as champagnes, spirits and soft drinks. You will also find a wide choice of local beers: from the very local Ardwen to the classic Belgian Trappist beers Chimay, Orval and Mardesous, as well as some Walloon nuggets to discover, if you haven't already, such as La Cuvée des Trolls, La Godefroy de Bouillon and La Chouffe

A visit to this House will reveal that in 1952 Gérard Fresnet dug a cellar to make his own wines. Over time, local property acquisitions enabled him to install a new winery and press to guarantee the quality of his champagne. Today, Vincent continues the adventure begun by his father, crafting expressive wines. A particular favorite is the Brut Premier Cru, which remains in the cellar for 28 months.

As its name may suggest, 520 offers about 500 champagnes carefully selected from 120 houses and winemakers. First French ambassador of champagne in 2005 (CIVC), Pierre-Yves Cainjo explains the wines, the aromas, the owners... He also advises and talks about the selection of wines he offers, all from illustrious estates in each appellation. All the references are available individually, fresh and ready to taste.

The world of this brand, named Comtesse Gérin, is marked by the little stories that make the big ones. The bottles are dressed in the image of the noble garments of yesteryear: with pomp and meticulousness. This symbol conveys a philosophy we love: pleasure, sharing, know-how and festivities. It's easy to imagine these fine cuvées flowing thanks to the work of talented men and women. Succumb to the Grande Réserve, the Prestige Blanc de Blancs or the incendiary Rosé Sélection, sublime on a gourmet raspberry macaroon!

Here, the master winemaker is Emmanuel Pithois, and this great man loves to show you all the different facets of his profession. On a visit, he takes you into the cellar, lets you taste his clear (not sparkling) wines and tells you about the work of the vines through the seasons. He goes on to explain the wine-making process. You can extend this convivial wine tourism experience by staying in one of their pretty chambres d'hôtes.

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house in France. Its superb three-level cellars were listed as a historic monument in 1931. The 2-hour tour will take you through the key stages in the making of Ruinart Champagne, before moving on to the reception room for an expertly guided tasting. Choose two of their iconic cuvées: "R" de Ruinart, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Ruinart Rosé, Ruinart Millésimé, Dom Ruinart Millésimé or Dom Ruinart Rosé Millésimé.

The vineyard covers nine hectares, more than half of which are located on the Sézannais hillside, and four hectares on the Vitryat hillside and Côte des Bar. As a result, the estate boasts a fine diversity of grapes and aromas, which are reflected in its wines. Discover the Brut Variance, aged for two years in our cellars, and the Cuvée Authentique, a 100% Chardonnay champagne made from old vines and aged in oak barrels. A pure delight!

Located in Bouzy, this family business is now run by the^4th generation. The House's wines reflect the character of their terroir, thanks to a vineyard that has been carefully tended. The range includes 9 Champagne wines and a Bouzy red 2017. A particular favorite is the Cuvée Aura de Marius Grand Cru 2014, a deep, ripe and powerful 100% pinot noir; not forgetting Amour de Louise, an 8-vintage solera produced in 3,048 bottles. Epic!

The domain of Champagne Berat, built on a Templar site, is literally amazing! 60 hectares initially intended for the cultivation of land, then for cattle, then for three generations entirely devoted to the culture of the vine. You can also take advantage of this natural space to recharge your batteries in the gîte, which has three rooms with a refined and sober decoration. We recommend the Roulotte, which sleeps two, very elegant.

The history of this family business only began in 1980, and yet the quality and awards are there. They only work with wines matured with the vintage concept, the result of an ancestral know-how, the alchemy of the nature of the soils and the quality of the 3 Champagne grape varieties, in order to elaborate champagnes that express themselves after three years of cellar and rest. Paul Hazard champagnes are characterized by an old gold color, by a fine bubble as well as by very greedy aromas and a final note.

Undeniably one of the most beautiful surprises of our tastings! Champagnes that are as straightforward as they are seductive, with a rare elegance and personality for reasonably priced vintages. On a 23 ha estate, Gérard Cuperly works in integrated viticulture, vinifies in stainless steel tanks and ages his wines in oak barrels. A know-how marked by tradition but champagnes in the air of time. Special mention to their excellent Blanc de Blancs Prestige which always makes its effect on a seafood platter and why not, caviar!

You'll discover a charming house with a family history stretching back nearly 70 years. Today, Sébastien and his wife Carole cultivate the 5 ha of vines with great care and attention to detail. The range of wines is of the highest quality. Among the cuvées, you'll particularly appreciate the Signature Extra-Brut. This house belongs to the Cercle des créateurs de champagnes confidentiels, a group of only nine talented producers.

Located in Oger, this 3-hectare estate has passed through 15 generations since it was founded in 1640. Bruno and his son Laurent now manage this discreet estate, which is committed to organic farming. Old Chardonnay vines and barrel ageing enable them to produce a range of 6 full-bodied, powerful and dense champagnes: the House's emblematic Brut Original, the Réserve Orpair (a pluri-parcelaire from Oger), the Ordage (perpetual reserve), as well as the Millésimes Rossignol and Les Rossignols. Like the packaging, the wines are meticulously crafted.

A good house which knew how to exploit the very good soil of Aÿ while keeping a very old house tradition, the name of Lallier having been perpetuated during five generations. It is today Francis Tribaut who keeps this regional jewel alive with a range of great personality. The vintages use the best of the vineyard, pinots noirs on Aÿ and Verzenay, and chardonnays on Cramant and Avize. The range is divided into 3 collections: the Permanent collection, the Memory collection and the Icons collection, a Grand Cru work aged under cork.

The name Collet is synonymous with quality and union. This quality is reflected in the almost tailor-made cuvées, whether it is the Brut, the demi-sec, the Art Deco Brut, the extra-brut, the blanc de blancs, the rosé, the 2008 vintage or the Private Collection and in particular, in this one, the Brut Vintage 2008, an exceptional champagne, with a strong personality and all in lightness. This wine, aged for a minimum of 8 years, is a blend of 75% Chardonnay (for elegance and finesse) and 20% Pinot Noir (for structure and power).

One of the most famous champagne houses in the region, with a reputation that has remained intact and respected for decades. Vines on the beautiful terroirs of Aÿ or Avenay, a very famous terroir, that of Clos des Goisses, a house full of nobility in the world of prestigious champagne. Sustainable viticulture, traditional vinification with partial use of wood for the first fermentation and the maturing of the reserve wines. Among other jewels, the Clos des Goisses cuvée is one of the most memorable jewels of the house.

The owners welcome you to this 7 ha HVE certified estate. A new practice in Champagne, music for plants called "proteody" is used in the vines and in the cellar. According to Michel Loriot, a music lover at heart, music also gives the vine a better resistance to diseases and helps it to flourish. The vintages are available under the signature Apollonis Champagne Michel Loriot. A masterful favorite for Palmyre Brut Nature and Monodie, a Meunier Vieilles Vignes 2010 dosed in Extra-Brut. Singular works!

This 15 hectare vineyard is mainly made up of vines located on the Côte des Blancs, in the crus of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Sézanne, Glannes, Mancy and Cuis. The selection of the best plots of land allows us to elaborate champagnes of character where the typicity of each terroir is expressed. The culture is done in reasoned viticulture, with ageing in cellar from 2 to 8 years. The estate produces 130,000 bottles per year, most of which are sold abroad.

Thanks to its motto: "Why aim for the average when you can achieve excellence?", Maison Chiquet is today one of Champagne's most renowned brands. Lined up at attention, the vines of this vineyard are pampered by the Chiquet brothers to offer their very best during the sacred stage of the harvest. Love at first sight for Cuvée 700. Vinifiée in foudres and disgorged late after 10 years in the cellar, it reflects the character of the main year of the blend. Refined and astonishing, it will leave no one indifferent.

The estate boasts 12 hectares of vines planted on the Cramant terroir and cultivated using sustainable methods by a brother and sister with a passion for viticulture. Discover their extraordinary Grand Cru BDB Brut Zéro, Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs, Brut Tradition, Cuvée 555, Millésime 2006, Millésime 2009 Grand Cru, Rosé de Saignée, Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs and ratafia. The duo will also provide bed and breakfast, should you have the good idea of staying in this pretty little corner of France..

This estate consists of 9 ha of vineyards that are cultivated biodynamically since 2012. The grape variety is almost traditional. It is indeed composed mostly of pinot noir (77%), chardonnay, meunier and pinot blanc (16%). Several cuvées are available for sale, including the Brut Nature, Blanc de blancs and Rosée de Saignée. These are little jewels in which you will find notions dear to the owners such as terroir, passion and patience!

Here's a house that has made a brilliant bet on accommodating wine tourists as much as on winegrowing. On the production side, the estate's 12 hectares are planted with Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay grapes, and vinified in oak barrels. Vinification takes place in oak barrels. The range includes 4 magnificent cuvées: Brut Réserve, Espiègle Brut or Brut Rosé, and the more-than-affordable Millésime 2005 Blanc de blancs. The House also offers 6 independent gîtes and tasting workshops. An unforgettable experience awaits you!

The 8.5-hectare vineyard is made up of old vines, mostly south-facing, grown using sustainable viticulture methods. This beautiful estate was born of the union of Gérard Beurton and Marinette Vincent, who combined their vineyards and know-how to develop the business with great passion. On a daily basis, Katy and Benjamin Beurton do an excellent job both in the vineyard and in the winery. The domaine offers few cuvées, but they are of the highest quality.

For 4 generations, this family-run, HVE-certified operation has worked its 11 ha of vines with respect for the environment. The vast majority of production is concentrated on the Valley's emblematic grape variety: meunier. The House pays great attention to the elaboration of its champagnes, notably by extending cellar ageing times, but also by minimizing dosage. Our favorite is the Cuvée Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature with its clay minerality.

Manufactureurs de Grands Crus. Throughout the year, the company works sustainably on a charming 9-hectare vineyard, 7 of which are planted with Chardonnay Grand Cru. The wines are matured on a parcel-by-parcel basis to preserve all the specificities of each microterroir. The range comprises 6 wines with intriguing and original names: Author 2012, Redblend 9208, MG BB Vintage, MG BB Spirit, MG BB Nature and MG BB Sugar Vision. Special mention goes to their MG BB Vintage, a complex, spicy, biscuity, fresh and lemony 2015 vintage that transcends the years with energy!

A family business whose origins go back a long way, since it was during the French Revolution that our ancestor Basle Penet bought his first plots of vines, selling his harvest to merchants who owned a wine press. Today, the 8-hectare vineyard stretches across the Montagne de Reims, near the famous "Faux de Verzy". The estate produces a wide range of quality champagnes. 6 cuvées are available, including the famous Cuvée Blanc de Blancs "Bulles d'étoiles", a wine with a floral nose and beautiful minerality. Cheers!

Located in Chigny-les-Roses, this fine family-run business has been writing its history for almost a century. With 5 hectares of lovingly cultivated vines and a low-intervention vinification process, Julien, an independent winemaker, produces 6 gourmet cuvées full of freshness. Some wines, such as the Cuvée Chardonnay Extra-Brut, have been partially aged in oak barrels, delivering complex, delicate notes. A most welcoming estate that we recommend you visit!

The duty of excellence. Directed by Alexandre Cattier, this discreet and prestigious house is located on the beautiful terroirs of the Reims mountain in Chigny-les-Roses, a village classified as Premier Cru. 33 hectares of highly respectful viticulture of the biodiversity allow to make not less than 18 exceptional vintages sold all over the world. These pure and well-crafted wines are accessible to all budgets. The Brut Rosé^1er Cru, the Brut Nature Absolu, the Brut Blanc de Noirs, and the iconic Clos du Moulin are among our favorites.

Established for three generations on terroirs classified as Grands Crus, it is a remarkable estate that offers a champagne of character. For several years, biodynamic farming has been used, as well as animal traction, for old vines. What characterizes the De Sousa champagnes, the brilliant results on the traditional vintages as well as on the particular vintages, in particular this rosé of bleeding associated with the rosé of assembly, or the cuvée 3A (for Avize, Aÿ, Ambonnay). Finally, the Umami cuvée, from the most beautiful terroirs classified as Grand Cru.

On the prestigious Bouzy vineyard, Philippe Secondé, fifth generation of the Barnaut family, is a winemaker who pays great respect to the rhythms of the vine and careful vinification. The domaine produces a wide range of champagnes offering excellent value for money. The Grande Réserve Brut, made exclusively from the Grand Cru de Bouzy, and the rosé de saignée, an extra-brut champagne made from 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay, are particularly appealing, as is their excellent bouzy rosé. Tastings and tours of the Clos can be organized.

A house renowned and remarkable for the quality of its personalized cuvées, on an 11-hectare vineyard classified as Grand Cru, some parcels of which have been cultivated by the house for almost 250 years. Respect for the soil, control of yields, meticulous care in the elaboration of each cuvée on the beautiful terroirs of Bouzy, renowned for its pinots. The house also produces fine Blancs de blancs, Blancs de noirs and rosé champagnes.

This reputed house offers a high level of craftsmanship and an exemplary quality/price ratio on all its vintages. In the heart of the Côte des Blancs, this family makes superb Chardonnays. The vineyard covers about 20 hectares, 15 of which are Grand Cru. A permanent research of maturity and balance of the wines is the watchword of the house, first by a rigorous selection of the grapes. The very recent and modern winery allows for a meticulous and optimal follow-up of the wines from the harvest to the bottling.

This renowned House is now run by Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy, who strives to vinify fine champagnes from his Premier Cru terroirs. Having happily examined the entire range, from champagnes to red Cumières and ratafias, here are our favorites: the Cuvée Pureté. With no dosage, its precision is impressive. Cuvée Blanc de rose, made by maceration of pinot noir and chardonnay, is sublime with red tuna sashimi. And let's not forget the Cumières rouge Meunier 2015. Sensational with red mullet!

The history of this family begins in Damery in 1857 but today it is David and Cécile who run the business. The 11 ha vineyard is planted with the 3 traditional grape varieties to favor judicious blends. Here, malolactic fermentation is not practiced in order not to modify the organoleptic profile of the wines. We have chosen the Cuvée Cécile, a very fruity 100% meunier that will be a delight with mature cheeses.

An estate that is constantly progressing without conceding a single parcel of... its commitment to quality! Today, Arnauld leads the estate, drawing on several generations of family experience. Tradition is respected, but that doesn't prevent the wines from keeping up with the times. The vines stretch over the terroirs of Dizy and Avenay in Premier Cru, and Aÿ in Grand Cru. The Cuvée Éminence, a voluptuous wine, and the Cuvée du Centenaire, a Brut Millésimé made from old vines, will remain in your memory.

The role of the Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne or CIVC is multiple. A semi-public structure halfway between the private and public sectors, it is an inter-professional body created by the French legislator that represents winegrowers and Champagne houses and works in favour of their productions. It coordinates the activities and actions related to the cultivation of the vine, the vinification and the distribution of champagne throughout the world. He defends the profession, but also promotes Champagne wine for the whole planet. In addition to its action in the professional field, it is also very present to inform the general public, in particular via its website (www.champagne.fr) which tells us everything we need to know about production, appellations, terroir, viticulture and winemaking, as well as all aspects related to the consumption and tasting of champagne. The CIVC offers a selection of cellar visits and champagne tasting, classified either by winegrowers, or by houses or cooperatives. On the other hand, the Committee has selected five champagne routes, five major tourist routes, each with suggestions for visits or walks: Reims and its region, Epernay and its region, the Marne Valley, the Côte des bars and the Coteaux Vitryats. Finally, you will learn more about the actions taken to bring Champagne wines to organic viticulture.

From the outset, this family home impresses with its original approach. If time permits, your hosts will take you to discover their 10 ha vineyard, certified HVE and VDC, in a 2CV. If at the end of your ride, you feel like perfecting your knowledge, you will be able to access the museum below the house, which tells the story of the vineyard through an impressive collection of tools. You will then taste their expressive wines.

In the past, small independent producers from three neighboring communes cultivated the vines and sold their grapes to the trade. In 1961, three of them decided to acquire a common press. Then, little by little, others followed in their footsteps until they formed the Janvry group of producers. Driven by the same philosophy of quality, these winemakers created in 1975 the brand Ch. de l'Auche revealing to wine lovers all the beauty of the wine of the mountain of Reims. We are particularly fond of their Cuvée du Chapitre, a sublime 100% meunier!

Here's a house with an atypical history, just the way we like it! In the 1980s, the Néret family were farmers, milkmen and accountants. Today, these land-loving independent winemakers take great care of their HVE and VDC-certified vineyards. Each of their 10 cuvées reveals a part of their history, their terroir or their know-how. Les Échalas Blanc, a 100% meunier made from old vines and aged on lees without malolactic fermentation, is our favorite. Carole will be happy to share her gastronomic addresses with you.

In the heart of the Montagne de Reims, a beautiful property in a typical village with a rich religious history. The tradition is still very much alive in this house created in 1862 and the work, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, is marked by know-how and quality. A complete and very well worked range is to be discovered. We especially like the cuvée Jules Bonnet, a vintage blanc de noirs and the cuvée Spéciale brut millésimé, a blanc de blancs. On the spot, a guest room and a gite are also proposed to visitors and lovers of the land.

3 generations of winemakers have succeeded one another at the head of this family estate. HVE-certified, the 12-hectare vineyard is located in the emblematic commune of Les Riceys. Our favorite is the Cuvée Alexandrine, a Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2014 with opulence, power and complexity. If you'd like to stop off in Champagne at this pleasant estate, you can stay in two mobile homes on site, or take advantage of a free parking area for motorhomes. To be experienced!

Anchored in the heart of the prestigious Côte des Blancs, the Nicolas Feuillatte estate brings together, in a unique cooperative model, 4,500 winegrowers with incomparable know-how and invites you to an extraordinary visit that will charm the senses. The tour plunges visitors into the heart of the stages of champagne production, with an impressive view of 200 vats lined up. The tour ends with a commented tasting of one to three champagnes from the range, depending on the formula chosen.

Located in Cormoyeux, these harvesters and handlers have been developing their terroir for 3 generations. Their philosophy? The constant search for the natural balance from the vine to the effervescence. With them, humans work in close collaboration with nature. 5 wines with very original names are to be discovered as well as a ratafia, a white coteaux and a red coteaux. We are sure to fall in love with Oriane, a luminous wine with a dominant chardonnay. Divine with a mesclun salad with sesame oil, fresh goat cheese and pine nuts. You'll see!

Assisted by Céline, it is now Benoît Hugot who lovingly perpetuates the Champagne traditions inherited from his father. Certified HVE, their 5.35 ha vineyard is managed in a respectful, healthy and natural way. Thanks to a soft and precise vinification, the duo gives birth each year to a confidential production. You will discover 3 vintages with beautiful dressings including the Brut Rosé. The domain also offers 2 guest rooms called Chez les Doyennes. You will find there all the necessary comfort and the decoration is really very neat.

Since 1982, the Fresne family has been cultivating its vines using sustainable methods. Gérard, Bernadette and Bruno are harvesters and handlers of nearly 8.5 hectares of vines, on which the three emblematic grape varieties of the Montagne de Reims flourish: meunier, pinot noir and chardonnay. For the tasting, you'll be welcomed in the house cellars. A range of 7 wines and a ratafia are on offer. Special mention goes to the Cuvée du Monastère. Made from old vines and aged for a year in oak barrels, 900 copies are produced.

Certified "Viticulture durable en Champagne" and "Haute Valeur Environnementale", the Coopérative de Champagne de Ville-Dommange is deeply concerned by environmental issues. The vineyards of this fine brand cover 30 hectares and give rise to a rich range: Pur Extra-brut, Audace Brut, Instinct Brut, Écrin Brut réserve, Nuance Brut rosé, Millésime, Privilège Brut, Parade Demi-Sec, Coffret Empreinte (aged in wood) and Ratafia Apéritif. A real treat!

This estate, located halfway between Bar-sur-Aube and Bar-sur-Seine, is a family-run business that has been going strong for 5 generations. The champagne produced here, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, is made on the estate in the purest Champagne tradition, with the Terra Vitis label. Various cuvées are marketed, including Cuvée Excellence, an Extra Brut that reveals all the freshness and fruitiness of the grape variety. Perfect with a platter of oysters!

At this 7.5-hectare Champagne house in the Côte des Bar region, growers cultivate two grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, champagne is a blend of grape varieties and different years, giving the wines a beautiful aromatic complexity. 5 beautiful and charming cuvées are to be discovered: Champagne Brut, Champagne Brut Rosé, Champagne Brut Prestige, Millésime and cuvée Mathilde. These wines are perfect for any occasion.

Located in Aÿ, one of the Montagne de Reims' most famous Grands Crus de Noirs, where many famous houses are based, this contemporary domaine produces champagnes full of elegance and freshness. We particularly like their Grand Cru Blanc de blancs. A lively, chiselled, complex wine. The chardonnay bouquet expresses itself perfectly, offering a deliciously tangy finish. Enjoy with fresh seafood!