Écueil

Écueil: a charm of Champagne

Écueil (postcode 51500) is a charming municipality in the Champagne region of Montagne de Reims in north-east France. The village is located around 7 kilometres south-west of Reims, on the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. With a population of 311 inhabitants (as of 2023), Écueil is a small but important village in the world of Champagne.

Geographical location and viticulture

Écueil belongs to the prestigious Champagne classification of Premier Cru. The commune's vineyards are extensive and cover an area of 126 hectares, which represents a slight decrease compared to previous years. These areas are mainly orientated east to north-east, providing the grapes with optimal conditions to develop. The vineyards surround the village and extend to the forest edges of the Montagne de Reims, at altitudes between 180 and 220 metres.

Wine production in Écueil is predominantly characterised by the Pinot Noir grape, which covers the majority of the vineyards with 117 hectares. Pinot Noir is responsible for the characterful and powerful structure of the wines from Écueil. In addition to Pinot Noir, 4 hectares are reserved for Pinot Meunier and 5 hectares for Chardonnay. This distribution allows for a variety of flavour profiles, with the Pinot Noir grape having the dominant influence on the style and quality of the wines.

History and wine production

Écueil has a long tradition of viticulture dating back to the 18th century. Viticulture in the region is closely linked to the history of Champagne, as the wines produced there are an important part of the heritage of this famous region. The winegrowers of Écueil are known for the care and dedication they put into the cultivation of their vineyards and the production of their wines.

The wines from Écueil are known for their full-bodied and powerful structure, which is typically characterised by the Pinot Noir grape. These wines often have a deep red colour and a rich aroma of red fruits, spices and a fine mineral note. The quality of the wines is regularly highly rated, which is reflected in the ratings and awards that Écueil consistently receives.

Champagne houses and winegrowers

There are several renowned champagne houses and winegrowers in Écueil who are known for the excellent quality of their products. Among the well-known names are:

• Champagne Roger Coulon: Dieses Familienunternehmen produziert seit 1806 Champagne und ist bekannt für seine traditionelle Methode und die hohe Qualität seiner Produkte. Die Reben von Roger Coulon in Écueil sind ein wesentlicher Bestandteil ihrer eleganten und komplexen Champagner.
• Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & FilsWith a history dating back to 1935, this house produces champagne that reflects the elegance and freshness of the region. Its wines from Écueil are characterised by their finesse and complexity.
• Champagne Jean LaurentAnother prestigious house known for its fine champagnes made from the best vineyards in Écueil. The wines are often rich and expressive, with excellent balance and structure.

Current developments and trends

In recent years, Écueil has evolved to meet the demands of the modern wine market. The winegrowers and Champagne houses have begun to adopt more sustainable cultivation methods and research innovative techniques to further improve the quality of their products. The use of biodynamic methods and the reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers are examples of these developments.

In addition, the Écueil region has gained international recognition through increased marketing and export activities. This has led to growing recognition and demand for champagne from Écueil, which is reflected in higher prices and a stronger presence on international markets.

Summary

Écueil is a splendid example of the fine art of champagne growing in the Champagne region. With its 311 inhabitants and 126 hectares of vineyards, most of which are dominated by Pinot Noir, the village is a major producer of high-quality wines and champagnes. The traditional art of viticulture, combined with modern developments and the commitment of the local winegrowers, ensures that the wines and champagnes from Écueil continue to be among the best in the region.