Bauchet

In Bisseuil, a small village in the Marne valley at the foot of the Montagne de Reims, you will find the home of Champagne Bauchet. Épernay is around 10 kilometres away. Since 2016, Bisseuil has been part of the commune of Aÿ-Champagne. This is a family-run estate, and at about 34 hectares it is well above average: by the house's own account, champagne growers own 2.5 hectares on average.

Five generations, one estate

The story begins in 1920 in Grauves, on the Côte des Blancs. Félicien Bauchet farmed one hectare there on land belonging to his mother Juliette, and picked his first grapes with the champagne appellation. Alongside the vines he worked as a farm labourer and woodcutter. In 1960 he founded the Société Civile du Clos Babot with his sons Raphaël, Gérard and Roland, and it remains the production company to this day. They started out farming a little over 3 hectares. For a long time the family sold its harvest to the négociant houses. Only when those buyers dropped away did they begin to market finished champagne, and they have remained a Récoltant-Manipulant ever since. Today the estate is run by Robin Bauchet, Roland's grandson, and Florence Bauchet-Labelle, Gérard's daughter. Robin looks after the vineyards, while Florence is responsible for communication and sales. Oenologist and cellar master Bruno Charlemagne works alongside them.

Sites and working methods

The vines grow on seven terroirs in the Marne and the Aube. Only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted. Grauves is pure Chardonnay, while Bisseuil has both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both villages are classified Premier Cru. Around 25 hectares lie in the Côte des Bar, planted almost entirely with Pinot Noir, near Bar-sur-Seine, Bragelogne-Beauvoir, Saulcy, Vitry-le-Croisé and Bligny, among others. Each year a portion of the vines is replanted, and the average age is about 20 years. According to a retailer's profile, the house holds the Haute Valeur Environnementale and Viticulture Durable en Champagne certifications. It also says it is working to increase biodiversity in the vineyard.

Côte des Blancs

Cuvées, visits and tastings

The range includes the cuvées Origine, Séduction and Signature Premier Cru, among others. There is also the Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Saint Nicaise, which is also made as a vintage champagne. At the IWSC 2015, several of these wines won silver medals, including the Millésimé 2009.

“In 1960 he founded the Société Civile du Clos Babot with his sons Raphaël, Gérard and Roland, and it remains the production company to this day.

• Visits and tastings are possible by prior appointment.
• The "Cellar visit and tasting" option includes three champagnes of your choice. It most recently cost 16 euros for adults and was set up for a maximum of 10 people per session.
• There is also a sensory tour with an introduction to tasting three vintages, for 35 euros.

For current times and prices, it is best to ask the house directly on +33 3 26 58 92 12.