Alain Boutillat

A family estate in Morangis

The house of Champagne Alain Boutillat is based in Morangis, close to Épernay in the heart of the Champagne wine region. The village belongs to the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, in whose growers' directory the estate is listed at 9 rue de la Cense. According to the house, Roger Boutillat and his wife Germaine were the first to work vines in Morangis. Alain Boutillat settled as a grower in 1966 and founded his own brand in 1973. In 1996 his daughter Valérie joined the business.

The structure is now formally settled: the EARL Alain Boutillat has been run by Valérie Boutillat as gérante since 1 January 2009. It is a classic récoltant-manipulant, that is, a grower who makes their own champagne from their own grapes.

Grape varieties, cellar and cuvées

The estate grows and works with the three classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The house describes its approach like this: the family carries out every step of the vinification itself, and each cuvée ages for at least four years in the cellar. That is considerably longer than the legal minimum required by the appellation.

The range includes the Cuvée Prestige Brut, the Réserve Brut and the Millésimé Brut. All three are blends of the three grape varieties. A rosé is also listed. In total, Vivino lists six wines from the house. The labels can be personalised on request.

Visiting and tasting

The estate sells directly from the cellar door. According to Mappy, wine tourism, cellar visits for groups, tastings and online purchase are all on offer. If you would like to drop in, ring ahead first: the telephone number is +33 3 26 59 73 81, and the address is 9 rue de la Cense, 51530 Morangis. One visitor, writing on a directory site, praises the consistent quality, the good value for money and Valérie's careful work.