Wine estates Champagne-Ardenne

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!

Founded in Aÿ in 1843, the company boasts a 25-hectare vineyard in the Marne Valley, the birthplace of the miller, as well as a network of winemaker-deliverers to supplement its need for quality grapes. A true symbol of the French art of living, the brand imposes its elegant, powerful style wherever it goes. Presented in a superb bottle evocative of the ^18th century, Champagne Bleu Brut Cuvée des Moines is the source of Besserat De Bellefon's renown.

Instilling without imposing. Founded in 1925 and currently managed by Thomas Lombard, this winegrowing house willingly shares its contemporary and timeless vision of Champagne wines with wine lovers around the world. For this neo-winemaker, the terroir is central. The 5.5 ha vineyard is currently in organic conversion. All the wines of the "Terroir" range are vinified in Brut Nature and reveal an atypical greediness. Their minerality is subjugating. Don't forget to have a look at their playful and didactic back labels. Cheers !

An inimitable style. Since 2003, Champagne Charles Mignon is one of the few family estates to be part of the Union des Maisons de Champagne, which is a real privilege. The Mignon family owns vineyards in Chouilly, a village classified as a Grand Cru, complemented by a family vineyard in the Marne Valley and benefits from supply contracts with winegrowers in the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims and the Marne Valley. The range is rich and full of colors. The visits are friendly and commented. To discover!

Founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck, the house was absorbed in 1985 by the Rémy Martin group, which had already acquired Piper-Heidsieck a little earlier. This renowned brand owns Gallo-Roman chalk pits as well as a 25-hectare vineyard that covers only part of its grape needs. A favorite is the Blanc des Millénaires 1995, a legendary vintage made from the best Chardonnay grapes of the Côte des Blancs, which won the gold medal at the 2015 IWC!

Winemaker, cellar master and even salesman in his spare time, Arthur Bernard founded his own House in 1912. Today, Isabelle and Benoît Bernard are at the helm, working the finest terroirs of the Marne Valley in a natural way. As independent winegrowers, they produce top-quality wines such as Blancs de blancs, with its notes of spices, cocoa and honey, Rosé de Saignée, made from pinot noir maceration, and Blanc de noirs, a 100% pinot noir Extra-Brut that's perfect with truffles!

Founded by Edmond Cheurlin at the age of seventeen, in 1898, in the small village of Celles-sur-Ource, the Cheurlin family estate has been the object of patient family attention that has endured over the generations. The vineyard is spread over five communes, all of which have their own particularities (sunshine, acidity...). All the plots are vinified separately and the cuvées are made by blending two years, which brings balance and regularity. These cuvées are six in number:Carte noire, Réserve, Rosé, Cuvée Prestige, Chardonnay, Millésimé.

Founded in 1915, Champagne AR Lenoble is one of the few champagne houses to remain entirely family-owned and independent. Today, the^4th generation, embodied by Anne and her brother Antoine, is at the helm. Guarantors of ever-improving but never-equalled quality, together they craft champagnes of the utmost precision from their 18-hectare vineyard on the appellation's finest slopes. A real favorite is the Brut Nature "dosage zéro mag", a very fresh and delicious wine to try with snacked fish.

Thanks to hard work, Alain Thiénot, a banker and broker by profession, has succeeded in becoming one of the great names in Champagne in less than 25 years. Today, the group's vineyards cover 725 ha across Champagne, Bordeaux and Languedoc. The range comprises 7 wines: Thiénot Brut, Thiénot Rosé, Thiénot Brut Vintage, not forgetting the vintage Cuvées Stanislas, Alain and Garance, as well as the iconic vintage Cuvée La Vigne aux Gamins. Find these exceptional wines at Joël Robuchon, Bocuse, Anne-Sophie Pic and Alain Ducasse.

This brand belongs to the closed circle of great champagne houses. It was named in 1867 by its founder, Maître Daubresse, a prominent figure from Reims. Created by oenologist Laurent Fedou from selected crus from the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs regions, the range comprises 3 wines: Cuvée de la Reine (Brut, Rosé and Brut Premier Cru), Cuvée de la Sommelière and Brut Passion d'une Reine. In 1994, the Alain Thiénot Group, which ranks eighth among champagne houses, acquired the brand.

Founded in 1757, Maison Abelé 1757 was acquired by the Spanish Freixenet group in 1985. Thanks to its "maison-boutique" status, the brand is free to select the best terroirs owned by quality delivery partners for tailor-made vinification. Don't miss their remarkable range: Brut, Rosé, Blanc de blancs, Soirées Parisiennes, Brut Millésimé, Sourire de Reims Brut, Sourire de Reims Rosé. These exceptional wines have won so many awards that we've decided not to list them here!

In 1925, Eugène Ralle, grandfather of the current generation, created his House through hard work. 30 years later, his grandson Pierre Arnould created his own brand. Joining forces, Pierre Arnould and Eugène Ralle Champagnes offer two distinct yet complementary ranges. The Cuvée Aurore, with its 6 years in the cellar, reveals a superb bouquet of spices. And what about the Brut Rosé? A generous, sunny 100% pinot noir!

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.

Richard and Véronique Petit cultivate with love 2 magnificent terroirs classified as Grands Crus and make their own wines with patience and high standards. The range is now composed of 3 great vintages: Nuit Blanche, Ambrosie and Nymphea. At the tasting, we had a weakness for the first one. Grand Cru de la Côte des Blancs born in 2009, this champagne is a 100% chardonnay with a nice nose. A pure, fine and clean wine that enlivens the palate of the amateurs and is discovered on refined iodized dishes such as a tartar with two salmon... wild of course!

This champagne is the result of the work done by disabled people in the vineyard. Located in the Champagne vineyards, the E.S.A.T. (Etablissement et Services d'Aide par le Travail) of Sézanne has focused part of its activity on the work of the vine and the wine of Champagne. The range consists of a Brut and a Rosé, with a high proportion of reserve wines (about 45%) which guarantees a constant quality. The Brut is an elegant accompaniment to savory dishes or a convivial aperitif. The Rosé will reveal itself with dishes of character.

This little Champagne jewel spread over 7 parcels entirely enclosed by walls (one of the few to obtain this appellation) is managed by Charlotte, the^5th generation, and her father Hervé Le Gallais. Their status as harvesters and handlers is a privilege to control the entire process from harvest to marketing. Sustainable cultivation, rigorous monitoring of the vineyard, slow and qualitative maturation at the rhythm of nature and the seasons contribute to the elaboration of cuvées that are each the reflection of a parcel, a blend and a terroir.

Welcome to the Domaine Proy Goulard currently managed by Lucile and Alexandre. The duo manages a vineyard of 4.5 ha. The vines, 35 years old, are planted on terroirs with a strong identity thanks to clay-silt, sandy-silt and chalky soils. This diversity offers a rich and complex aromatic palette. A natural and traditional vinification, an ageing time between 2 and 7 years as well as a low dosage allow the champagnes to express all the typicity of the terroirs they embody. 5 wines are to be discovered.

The Domaine Luc Mérat, whose history began in 1930, is located in the heart of the Massif de Saint-Thierry in the Merfy area. The current owner, Luc Mérat, is very involved and committed and was the former president of the "Jeunes Viticulteurs" group at Nicolas Feuillatte. A vineyard of 7 ha allows to ensure a constant quality of the wines and thus to perpetuate the gustative signature of the House. A warm and friendly welcome will be reserved for you and you will have the opportunity to discover that the passion of the profession is found in each flute!

Champagne by Fernand is an ultra-modern, fresh and poetic brand. For Xavier and Vanessa, harvesters and handlers with 3 generations of know-how intact, the love of a job well done and a sense of conviviality are at the heart of everything they do. Their grapes are grown on a rich, parcelized 6.5-hectare terroir. The range of 6 cuvées has sophisticated names that offer emotion and spark the imagination. Our favorites are Émotions subtiles (Blanc de blancs) and Insolent Blanc de noirs (Extra Brut). Hats off to them!

Winegrowers since 1948, Pierre and Jacky now run the estate. The 8.5-hectare vineyard extends over 3 communes and is cultivated using sustainable methods. Among the 9 wines in the range, our favorite is the 100% chardonnay, single-vineyard cuvée Les Grimprés 1955, a champagne for connoisseurs. This champagne will enhance your seafood platters! The Domaine has also opened a gîte, the "Vert Cottage", a peaceful haven of character covered in Virginia creeper, where life is good.

Founded in the 1920's, the winery is now run by Eric, his wife Corinne and their son Pierre-Etienne who is the^4th generation. This trio of passionate harvesters-manipulators is committed to sustainable viticulture in order to produce healthy and qualitative raw materials. The traditional grape varieties of pinot noir, chardonnay and meunier make it possible to produce 10 wines of beautiful structure with varied aromas. To discover.

Very attached to his roots, David Faivre represents the^3rd generation. Today he is a terroir developer, supported by his wife Jessica, who has revolutionized everything on the estate. The vineyard is certified HVE-VDC and is currently undergoing organic conversion. 6 finely crafted cuvées make up the House's range. We love the Perles du Paradis, an Extra-Brut Rosé of a pleasant complexity that we love to taste with grilled meats delicately seasoned. The Champs de Romy (BDB Extra-Brut) is just as sumptuous. Go for it!

Aude Vauban and Carla Bonnet welcome you to their estate in Oger, a terroir located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. Aude and Carla, harvesters and handlers, have chosen to cultivate the estate exclusively with Chardonnay and are committed to a sustainable culture on this chalky and particularly well exposed soil. The heiresses of an ancestral know-how give life to 100% chardonnay champagnes of pure finesse and elegance. Each cuvée expresses a beautiful aromatic expression and will sublimate all your moments of pleasure.

If you pass one day by Rilly-la-Montagne, do not hesitate to stop to discover this House built in 1930 by Marcel Lassalle. Today it is Eric Lassalle who proudly carries on the family values. On the vineyard side, the vines flourish on 7.5 hectares spread over 3 exceptional terroirs classified as Premier Cru: Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly-la-Montagne and Ludes. Their 5 cuvées are balanced wines with rich and complex aromas.

The 4 ha vineyard, mostly pinot noir and chardonnay, is planted on a clay-limestone soil and enjoys a very favorable exposure. Arthur Marc, a passionate winegrower and heir of 12 generations, follows a reasoned culture, where small yields and meticulous harvests are legion in order to never compromise with quality. The 8 cuvées, exclusively made from first juices, without malolactic fermentation and skilfully blended, offer a beautiful aromatic complexity and a very good balance.

This estate, whose roots date back to 1847, is today guided by the work of Brigitte and Philippe. The duo cultivates with love and good sense a magnificent 18 ha vineyard certified HVE. Solar panels, rainwater harvesters, bark, manual plowing, everything is done to respect nature. With rigor and high standards, this RM couple carefully controls each step of the winemaking process to give life to 9 exceptional vintages. To be discovered!

For these grower-manipulators, being a winegrower is first and foremost a family adventure exercised with passion. Mostly cultivated with meunier and pinot noir grapes, the 6-hectare vineyard is classified as Premier Cru and worked using the most natural methods possible. In all, 24 parcels with enchanting names like Côtes Chéries receive constant attention. The "Aimé" and "Gamine" Cuvées are particularly noteworthy, offering complex, truly racy wines.

Located in a Premier Cru village, the family business was founded by Françoise Marchand and Robert Boutillez. Since 2001, Marion has managed the estate in close collaboration with Jean-Michel Sourdet, who joined her in 2007. Their 6.4-hectare vineyard is planted almost entirely with Chardonnay, a delicate, golden grape variety. Discover their extraordinary Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru, Rosé Premier Cru and Ratafia.

Situated on the south-eastern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, the 7-hectare vineyard, run by son Demière and his family, comprises 20 parcels that produce champagnes expressing all the subtlety and strength of the terroirs from which they come: Ambonnay, Bouzy (both classified Grand Cru) and Trépail (classified Premier Cru). Chalky soils, exceptional soil and perfect exposure enable the domaine to produce its 6 cuvées each year. Grand Cru and Premier Cru champagnes are both elegant and round, with flattering aromas.

For 5 generations, this family has lived by the rhythm of the vine and the seasons. On this estate, located in a Premier Cru village, your hosts will always welcome you with a smile and help you discover the different facets of the winegrowing profession. The vineyard is HVE and VDC certified. there are 6 cuvées to discover, including the Cuvée Prestige, which has spent 7 years in the cellar. The owners also have 4 spacious guest rooms called Le Clos du Moulin.

Founded in 1985, Domaine de Saint Leu ceased trading at the turn of the century. With the help of their two daughters, Cynthia and Céline, Maryline and Gervais Perrot relaunched the business in 2009. A new range of 4 wines was launched at the same time. Recently, the cellar opened its doors with a "visit and tasting" offer, enabling visitors to discover its little gems. The Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs won a gold medal at the Elle à Table 2015 wine competition.

Today, Philippe Haton, the^5th generation, holds the torch with his wife Isabelle and daughter Élodie. The same rule - tradition and identity - prevails in the making of each cuvée. The Cuvée Carte Blanche is the House's emblem. This Brut, with its lively bubbles, is easy to drink on any occasion. Isabelle Haton will be delighted to welcome you to her sales area La Flûte enchantée to explain everything to you. Go for it!

The history of Castelnau began in 1916, in the midst of World War II. Created in honor of General Édouard de Curières de Castelnau, the brand remained in the hands of the same family until 2003, when it was bought by the Coopérative régionale des Vins de Champagne, which now brings together 149 crus from nearly 900 hectares of vines. Its cellars hold nearly 30 million bottles. Today, Castelnau Champagne remains a spearhead for its owners, who offer a range of 7 contemporary and timeless cuvées.

This Champagne vineyard can be proud of being on royal land for many years. The Domaine covers 120 hectares and no less than 45 vintages, with classic grape varieties, from the Saint-Thierry massif to the Montagne de Reims, to offer a fine range of champagnes: brut prestige, extra brut, demi-sec and rosé, as well as the cuvée Dynastie blanc de blancs, the cuvée Grenat vintage 2013 and the cuvée 30&3 extra brut, a tribute to the 33 sovereigns crowned in Reims.

For 4 generations, Maurice Lepitre champagne has been characterized by chalk cellars and manual riddling. The 3 years of ageing give each Cuvée its singular character. After the visit of the place, it's time for the tasting. We love the Brut Extra Reserve which exhales aromas of white flowers. In the mouth, it is generous and greedy. You will also succumb to the 2008 vintage, a Premier Cru that reveals a floral nose and white fruit aromas.

The Bauchet family has been cultivating its 34-hectare vineyard, harvesting its grapes and crafting its champagne from father to son since 1920. 5 generations of artisan winemakers work with passion on a unique terroir full of diversity and uniqueness. The broad, rich mosaic of vines spread across the different crus of the appellation enables the Chardonnays and Pinots to produce a high-quality, authentic and elegant Champagne that expresses the personality of its terroir of excellence. Our favorite is the Cuvée Signature Premier Cru. Emotions guaranteed!

A certain idea of champagne. Descendants of a line of Champagne winegrowers dating back to 1790, Pierre and Philippe Aubry have always been committed to respecting traditions while breaking free from codes. In this House, rigor, respect for tradition, originality and creativity reign supreme.

The brothers' exceptional 12-hectare vineyard boasts some fifty low-yield plots, with different soils and exposures, enabling them to craft avant-garde cuvées from the noblest juices. Never short of ideas, the duo even like to make a cuvée from ancestral grape varieties (arbane and petit meslier) that their forefathers already cultivated with passion and hope over two centuries ago. It's with these same forgotten grape varieties, blended with traditional ones, that they've created the Cuvée Nombre d'Or, a unique wine with stunning freshness and aromas of brioche and peach. It's impossible to miss the 2015 vintage of "Campaniae Veteres Vites", a wine that's regularly out of stock!

You'll also fall for the Cuvée Brut Classique, Cuvée Ivoire and Cuvée Ébène, a 60% Chardonnay from the area known as "l'Auditeur", with its very stony soil and steep south-facing slope, a real peculiarity in the region.

These precious wines invite you to enjoy a true sensory experience. Neophytes and seasoned connoisseurs alike will be won over by these iconic champagnes from another era.

Jacques Beaufort's vines grow in Polisy and Ambonnay. Suffering very early from severe allergies to synthetic products, he converted his vineyard to organic farming in 1971: a quasi-revolution in a region where environmental issues were not yet a concern. His wines are full of finesse and tension. We particularly enjoyed tasting Polisy Brut Millésimé, a 50% pinot noir, 50% chardonnay, biodynamic perfectly chiseled.

In the village of Les Riceys, you'll find the home of Olivier Horiot, a small estate where the winemaker's talent is expressed in the most beautiful way. Great care is taken to respect nature and the soil, and this tradition has always shaped the estate's wines and given them their identity. The range includes still wines, with rosés from Les Riceys and Côteaux-Champenois, as well as, since 2004, a range of vintage champagnes. An estate to discover if you haven't already, and to recommend.

Bertrand and Hélène Gautherot's 5-hectare vineyard is causing quite a stir in the world of champagne lovers. Predominantly Pinot Noir, but with a significant Chardonnay component reflecting its proximity to the Chablis region, this estate is cultivated with the greatest respect for nature, without the use of chemicals. Since 1998, the Demeter label has appeared on the back of bottles, a guarantee of natural wines. Magnetic and vibrant, don't miss out!

With a surface area of 5 ha, the vineyard of Cédric Bouchard is one of the most magical in Champagne. After learning the winegrowing trade with his father and buying the family estate, this demanding winemaker has made many changes. The culture of the vineyard is close to the biodynamic one. Due to their growing success, the wines are now only available at certain renowned wine shops. Les Ursules, an enchanting 100% pinot noir, is a favorite.

It was here, in Avirey-Lingey in 2005, that Davy Dosnon and Simon-Charles Lepage decided to create a champagne house from scratch. The house cultivates 2 ha of vines and sources 5 ha from other winegrowers. The style of the range on offer is straightforward and easy to understand, with low dosage wines that reflect a genuine quest for finesse. You'll discover 8 fine cuvées, including the delicate Alliae with its candied citrus notes. Divine!

The House of Billecart-Salmont was born in 1818, with the union of François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. Today, the fifth generation is in charge of this wonderful estate. They are balanced and fine champagnes whose reputation is well established. The Extra Brut is a superb wine. Its pale yellow color gives a glimpse of beautiful, fine and abundant bubbles. How can we not mention the Clos Saint-Hilaire cuvée, the pride of the house? A unique and confidential cuvée, the product of a plot of land and vines maintained since 1964.

Comte Audoin de Dampierre champagnes enjoy a reputation that is certainly not to be made anymore, and that holds firmly, like the cork of the cuvée de Prestige, between two well knotted strings. The cuvées are part of a very beautiful range with bourgeois accents, and whose traditional spirit is very exciting. The cuvée Ambassadeur Blanc de Blancs combines finesse and elegance. The work on the chardonnay is remarkable and the result is unique. To be discovered!

With grapes coming from the best vintages of the region (Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay), Brice champagnes have always offered a renowned style and quality. The 8 hectares of vineyards of the house supply a beautiful production of which 70% of the bottles are intended for export, on the great tables of the world and in the famous stores. If the Brice style did not exist, it would have to be invented as soon as possible, as it is so singular and generous, with a range of solid and lively wines, such as the Aÿ Grand Cru, the Bouzy Grand Cru or Cramant Grand Cru cuvées.

In this terroir of Celles-sur-Ource, we find the Richard Cheurlin property, whose family viticultural traditions have endured. The sunshine is favorable to the elaboration of beautiful wines. The range of wines offered includes high level vintages and shows the quality of the work of the winemaker and the care taken in the blending. We can find the Brut Carte d'Or, a wine which is distinguished by its freshness and its floral aromas. The Blanc de Blancs cuvée will not displease the amateurs of tense chardonnay. Fine and abundant bubbles.

Daring in its purest form.In 1981, Bruno Paillard embarked on his champagne adventure, at a time when no new house had been created for almost a century. Thanks to the incredible diversity of its vineyards and an inimitable style that oscillates between purity, minerality and vinosity, the house produces extraordinary multi-millésimés and vintage wines. Through its mastery of time in all its nuances and its love of art, the house offers its enthusiasts the finest of gifts: a journey into the memory of Champagne and a taste of its genius.

It was Apolline Henriot who created this famous brand of champagne in 1808. Very early on, this House built a solid reputation in France and abroad. From the extraordinary terroirs it cultivates, very beautiful cuvées come out, like this Blanc de Blancs with its stunning freshness and beautiful notes of white fruits. The Brut Rosé also makes a lasting impression with its intense fruitiness. These wines are served in the greatest restaurants (Hôtel Meurice, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Restaurant Senderens, Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire, Hédiard, etc.).

The house of Alfred Gratien needs no introduction. Since 1864, this Champagne landmark has passed through the hands of four generations of cellar masters, in the purest respect for family traditions. Nicolas Jaeger is currently cellar master at the estate, producing cuvées world-renowned for their unique typicity. You can discover this superb Champagne house and taste or buy wines direct from the Boutique du Chai. Orders can also be placed online.