Autreau De Champillon

Champillon lies five kilometres from the historic town of Épernay. The village looks down over Épernay and the surrounding slopes between Hautvillers and Aÿ. This is where Champagne Autréau de Champillon is based. The family's roots can be traced back to 1670. The estate is run by Éric and Laurent Autréau. Laurent is a grower in the eighth generation and cellar master in the third.

From grape supplier to their own champagne

For many years the family sold its grapes to the large négociant house. In the 1950s Gérard Autréau began making champagne himself. The Guide Hachette gives 1953 as the year the brand was founded.

Vineyards and grape varieties

According to its own website, the house farms 33.5 hectares across four terroirs:

• Champillon, Dizy, Hautvillers: 8.5 hectares of Premier Cru with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay
• Aÿ: 4.5 hectares of Grand Cru with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Chouilly: 5.5 hectares of Grand Cru with Chardonnay
• Verneuil: 15 hectares with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

In addition, the Autréaus buy grapes from contract growers every year. They work to the guidelines for sustainable viticulture in Champagne. The house belongs to the MAGISTER network and holds the highest level of the HVE environmental certification.

Cuvées and visiting

The range runs from Premier Cru cuvées through blanc de blancs, rosé and vintage champagne to cuvées from Grand Cru sites. Two examples:

• Premier Cru Extra Brut: 40 per cent each of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with Chardonnay. Aged for 36 months, with a low dosage.
• Grand Cru Réserve: equal parts Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Chardonnay from Chouilly, 36 months on the lees.

The prestige cuvée is called Les Perles de la Dhuy. The family welcomes guests in the village of Champillon. For a visit with a tasting, it is best to ask in advance, for instance by phone on +33 326594600.