Arthur Marc

Champagne Arthur Marc is based in Fleury-la-Rivière, in a small side valley on the right bank of the Marne, just a few kilometres from Épernay. Despite what some descriptions say, the house has nothing to do with the Montagne de Reims: the vines stand in the Marne valley.

Family and origins

The house speaks of twelve generations of growers in Fleury-la-Rivière. The Hachette wine guide traces the line back to 1625. It also says that Patrice Marc runs the estate, together with Grégory. The brand itself points to a founding story dating from 1626: François de Baradat, a favourite of Louis XIII and a vineyard owner in Fleury-la-Rivière, was sent into exile by Richelieu. The house says it carries on the legacy of his estate. The "fifth generation" mentioned in the original text cannot be confirmed.

Vineyards and methods

The estate farms 4 hectares on clay and limestone with a very favourable exposure. All three champagne grape varieties are represented: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The vineyards are not organic but worked in "culture raisonnée", that is, following the principles of controlled, resource-conscious viticulture.

In the cellar, the house relies on a traditional press, avoids malolactic fermentation and disgorges "à la volée". The cuvées come exclusively from the first pressing juice. Time on the lees is given differently depending on the source: the house states at least five years, while an importer quotes at least three years for the Initiale Noir & Blanc.

Cuvées and visiting

According to the website, the range includes Initiale Noir & Blanc, Grande Cuvée, Rosé Chéri, Vintage and Perla Nèra. The Initiale is made from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Initiale Noir & Blanc won gold medals in 2020 and 2021, as did Perla Nera in 2020.

Visitors can come to the house by appointment: a tour and tasting can be booked by telephone or via the form. The offer includes a guided tour of the courtyard, the house and the cellar, from 95 euros as a complete package. Address: 1 Rue du Creux Chemin, 51480 Fleury-la-Rivière.