Andre & Jacques Beaufort

The house of Beaufort is based in Ambonnay, one of the 17 grand cru villages of Champagne, on the Rue de Vaudemanges. Jacques Beaufort, André's father, began working organically after discovering he had an allergy to synthetic products. The estate is therefore regarded as one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in the region. Sources give differing start dates, anywhere from 1969 to 1971. Since 2007 the younger generation has run the estate.

Vineyards and methods

The vineyard area is around 6.5 hectares, spread across Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims and Polisy in the Aube département. The organic champagne growers' association lists the estate as 100 per cent certified organic: certification began in 1994, and the first certified harvest was 1997. The estate uses no mineral fertilisers. Instead it applies a plant-based compost made on site. For more than 30 years it has also been experimenting with essential oils and with homeopathy in the biodynamic tradition.

In the cellar the approach continues. After pressing, the must rests for 12 hours to settle, then ferments with natural yeasts in barrels and tanks.

The wines

The range is built mainly on pinot noir and chardonnay. According to merchants' lists, the cuvées include the Ambonnay Grand Cru Réserve as a brut nature, an Ambonnay Rosé, vintage and Vinothèque bottlings, and a blanc de blancs from Polisy. There is also a red Coteaux Champenois from Ambonnay. One merchant gives the composition of the 2009 Ambonnay vintage as 66 per cent pinot noir and 34 per cent chardonnay. The wines stand out for their fruit, concentration and velvety texture.

Visiting and tasting

Visits to the estate and tastings are by appointment only. Contact: telephone +33 3 26 57 01 50 or email contact@champagnebeaufort.com. If you are looking for champagne with a clear signature and an unusual philosophy, this is a grower who has worked at his own pace for decades.