Albert Levasseur

Cuchery is a small village in the Marne Valley, about 18 kilometres from Épernay. This is home to the champagne house Albert Levasseur, a family estate with just over four hectares of vines. The estate was founded in 1944 and is run today by David Levasseur, the third generation.

Family and vineyards

The founders, Gilbert and Julienne Levasseur, both came from winegrowing families themselves. Gilbert's son Albert later took over the estate. Other sources name Albert as the founder. David began working in the family business in 1992 and officially took it over in 2003. In the early years the estate supplied the big champagne houses with Pinot Meunier. Today it bottles 35,000 to 40,000 bottles a year under its own name.

David has increased the vineyard area to 4.2 hectares. It is spread across 18 parcels in Cuchery, Châtillon-sur-Marne and Fleury-la-Rivière. The vines grow on clay-limestone soils. Meunier dominates, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside.

“David began working in the family business in 1992 and officially took it over in 2003.

Way of working

The estate combines tradition with modern technology. David modernised the cellar with temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and a new press. By his own account, and according to information from merchants, he was the first producer in Champagne to hold the HVE, Terra Vitis and Viticulture Durable certifications. Since 2020 he has been converting to organic viticulture. Only organic fertilisers are used, and no synthetic herbicides or pesticides.

Cuvées

• Rue du Sorbier: It comes from the oldest parcel of the house (planted in 1973), the Les Gautelleries site in Cuchery. The blend is 80% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay. It is named after the street where the estate stands.
• Blanc de Terroir: A single-variety Extra Brut made from Chardonnay from several parcels.
• Noir de Terroir: It comes from a single vintage and is regarded by the house as the essence of its Pinot Noir. Falstaff gave the 2011 vintage 93 points.
• Extrait Gourmand: a rosé.

There is also, among others, the vintage champagne Trait de Saison and a Ratafia de Champagne.

Visiting and tasting

The estate has set up its own room for tastings. It is run by a Franco-Irish couple. Visitors can expect a welcome in English and a cellar tour. Booking by phone or email is recommended. Address: 6 Rue du Sorbier, 51480 Cuchery.