Andre Delaunois

Champagne André Delaunois is a family estate in Rilly-la-Montagne, on the northern flank of the Montagne de Reims. The village lies at the gates of Reims, in the middle of a Premier Cru wine-growing area. The house is registered as a Vigneron Indépendant. It makes and sells its own champagne.

Family history

The story begins around 1920 with great-grandfather Edmond. He was a vigneron who became a manipulant, that is, a grower who makes his own champagne. In the 1970s his grandson André took over the estate and extended the buildings, the cuverie and the cellars. In 1990 his daughters and sons-in-law followed. Today his granddaughter and grandson work at the estate too.

Vineyards and cellar

The vineyards cover 7.60 hectares, planted 30 per cent to Pinot Noir, 40 per cent to Meunier and 30 per cent to Chardonnay. Annual production is around 70,000 bottles. The house avoids insecticides, is gradually putting grass cover between the vines in its plots and ploughs the soil. Harvesting is by hand, and the grapes are sorted as they are picked. The viticulture is described as sustainable, but it is not certified organic.

Winemaking is traditional. A new stainless steel cuverie went into the cellar in 2015, alongside four foudres, large wooden casks. Two of them also arrived in 2015. Malolactic fermentation is very much wanted.

Cuvées

• Cuvée du Fondateur: 70 per cent Chardonnay, 30 per cent reserve wine.
• Cuvée du 21ème Siècle: 100 per cent Chardonnay, 2013 vintage.
• Dame Palmyre: 100 per cent Pinot Noir from old vines, offered as a 2012 or a 2014.
• Cuvée Sublime, Carte d'Or and Cuvée Royale Rosé are also part of the range.

Visit and tasting

Visitors can see the cellars and the fermentation room. In the summer months there is also a visit to the vineyards. The tour lasts 45 minutes on average, and groups of up to 30 people are possible. The estate is at 17 Rue Roger Salengro. According to the Comité Champagne it is open daily from 8 to 12 and from 13.30 to 18.00. Booking ahead by telephone (+33 3 26 03 42 87) is recommended.