Andre Tixier

Four generations in Chigny-les-Roses

The house of André Tixier & Fils is based in Chigny-les-Roses, a premier cru village between Reims and Épernay. André Tixier planted his vineyard at the beginning of the 1920s. When his son Robert was born in 1926, he began making and selling his own champagne. Robert was followed by his son Patrice and then his great-grandson Julien. Julien Tixier has run the estate since 2011. He describes himself as the family's fourth generation of growers.

Vines and way of working

The family farms 5 hectares in four villages on the northern slope of the Montagne de Reims, all rated premier cru. The land is spread across 26 plots. The varieties grown are pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. The vines stand on clay and limestone soils on sunny slopes. The estate is certified under HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne).

Tixier is a récoltant-manipulant. As Julien Tixier puts it, they work only with grapes from their own vineyards. Production is around 25,000 bottles a year.

The champagnes

The range includes the Brut Millésime, Carte Perle, Carte Or, Brut Rosé and a Brut Chardonnay, among others. The rosé is made in a run of 3,000 bottles, aged in tank and oak barrel. The Guide Hachette also lists the house's cuvée Réserve des grandes années.

Visits and tastings

The estate welcomes guests for tastings and tours. Visits last 60 minutes on average and are held in French. Groups of up to 12 people are possible. According to the Champagne tourist board, the estate is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm, and on Sundays and public holidays by appointment. In the high season from May to October, it is wise to book several weeks in advance.

Address: 19 Rue des Carrières, 51500 Chigny-les-Roses.