Baudry in Neuville-sur-Seine: Familienweingut seit 1660, elfte Generation, 20 Hektar in der Côte des Bar, vor allem Pinot Noir, zertifiziert nach Terra Vitis und HVE.
The Baudry family has been growing vines in Neuville-sur-Seine, in the Aube département, right in the heart of the Côte des Bar, for centuries. Armel and José Baudry are the 11th generation of winemakers at the house, which was founded in 1660. Both are récoltants-manipulants, which means they make their champagne from their own grapes. The tasks are shared: José looks after the vineyard and the cellar, while Armel handles administration and sales.
The vineyard and how they work
The estate covers 20 hectares of vines. The plantings are 80 per cent Pinot Noir and 20 per cent Chardonnay. That is typical of the Aube, where Pinot Noir sets the tone. The brothers follow the principles of Terra Vitis and HVE, two environmental certifications. According to a retailer's website, they have been fertilising with compost made from manure and tree bark for more than 30 years. They also avoid chemical herbicides and work the soil mechanically.
The cuvées
The flagship is the Brut Privilège. It is made from 80 per cent Pinot Noir and 20 per cent Chardonnay. Alongside it there are single-variety cuvées:
- Distinction: 100 per cent Pinot Noir
- Révélation: 100 per cent Chardonnay
- Rosé: Pinot Noir only, assembled from white and red wine
- Brut Millésimé: half Pinot Noir, half Chardonnay
The range also includes a Brut Héritage and an Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs.
Visits and tastings
Cellar tours and tastings are by appointment only. The best way to enquire is by telephone on +33 3 25 38 20 59 or by e-mail to the estate. If you would like to get to know the Côte des Bar, this is a family-run estate that puts Pinot Noir at the centre of everything.
Pictures
Sources: www.hachette-vins.com, www.twil.fr, www.cylex-locale.fr, www.thewineilove.com, en.wikipedia.org, www.vin-vigne.com, en.wikipedia.org, brunolafonselection.com
