Cattier Champagne

The history and present of the Champagne house Cattier Champagne

The Cattier champagne house has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 17th century. In 1625, the Cattier family began producing champagne in Chigny-Les-Roses, a charming little village in the heart of the Montagne de Reimsto grow wine. This village is known for its outstanding grapes and is one of the 'Premier Crus' of the Champagne. In the centre of this picturesque village, the family acquired an estate in 1763, which still serves as the company's headquarters today.

The beginnings

Jean Cattier, the father of the current generation, was an important player in the early history of the estate. After a serious war injury during the First World War, he left the front and began to vinify his grapes himself, as he was unable to sell them under the difficult conditions of the war. This marked the beginning of wine production at Cattier ChampagneIn 1918, the first bottles of champagne were marketed under the name Cattier. This date is considered the official founding year of the champagne house.

The winery and the terroir

Today, Cattier owns around 20 hectares of vineyards spread over five different crus in the Montagne de Reims. This terroir is of exceptional quality and is one of the best in the entire Champagne region. A particular highlight of the estate is the famous 'Clos du Moulin' in Ludes. This site is one of the few walled vineyards in the Champagne region to be designated as a "Clos". The Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape varieties grow here and are known for their outstanding quality.

The Cattier family

The Cattier champagne house is still an independent family business. Jean-Jacques and Alexandre Cattier, both oenologists from the University of Reims, run the estate with great dedication and passion. They combine traditional methods with state-of-the-art technology. The cellars at Cattier Champagne are impressive: dug into the chalk cliffs at a depth of 30 metres, they offer space for up to 1 million bottles, which can mature here under optimal conditions.

Armand de Brignac

In 2006, Cattier Champagne introduced a new brand: Armand de Brignac. This champagne is now one of the most prestigious and best-known champagnes in the world. It is particularly well known for its eye-catching, metallic bottle with its spade-shaped label. In 2010, Armand de Brignac was named the best champagne in the world by the international Fine Champagne Magazine. This award contributed significantly to the international fame of the brand.

The change of leadership

In 2011, Alexandre Cattier succeeded his father Jean-Jacques and took over the management of the estate. Alexandre had already worked on the estate for eight years and was well prepared to carry on his family's legacy. Together with his cousins Agathe and Marie, the daughters of Liliane and Jean-Louis, he is doing everything he can to develop the knowledge and craftsmanship passed down over 11 generations.

Today's production

Cattier Champagne produces a wide range of champagnes, all of which are characterised by their quality and unmistakable character. The Clos du Moulin is the flagship of the house and is characterised by its complexity and elegance. In addition, Cattier offers a range of vintage champagnes and cuvées that perfectly reflect the terroir of the Montagne de Reims.

The future and innovation of Cattier Champagne

Despite its long history, the Cattier family is not resting on its laurels. They continuously invest in research and development to further improve the quality of their champagnes. At the same time, tradition remains a central part of their philosophy. This is reflected not only in the vineyards and the winery, but also in their commitment to sustainable viticulture and the preservation of the region's natural resources.

The seat of the house

The Cattier champagne house is still based in Chigny-Les-Roses. This picturesque village lies in a valley not far from Reims and Epernay and is one of the most prestigious sites in Champagne. Here, tradition and modernity come together in a unique way, and the Cattier family works tirelessly to preserve the heritage of their ancestors while shaping the future of the Champagne House.

Conclusion

Cattier Champagne is an outstanding example of a successful family business in Champagne. With a history dating back to the 17th century and an unwavering dedication to quality, Cattier has secured its place among the best Champagne houses in the world. Its champagnes, first and foremost the Clos du Moulin and Armand de Brignac, are recognised and appreciated worldwide. The Cattier family is committed to preserving and building on this heritage by combining tradition and innovation in perfect harmony.

The Cattier champagne house remains a shining example of excellence and passion in Champagne, and it is certain that its champagnes will continue to win the hearts of connoisseurs around the world.