Bernard Depoivre

Champagne Bernard Depoivre is a small family estate in Vindey, in the south-west of the Marne département. The village lies in the Coteaux du Sézannais, two minutes from Sézanne. It is about 40 minutes from Épernay, in the area south of the Côte des Blancs.

Family and history

The house is the work of three generations. Sébastien Depoivre took over the estate in 2000, which his parents had built up from 1972. His father Bernard, who gave the house its name, replanted vines in the 1960s and 1970s together with his own father and his brothers. Today Sébastien runs the estate with his wife Pauline. As récoltants-manipulants, the two oversee every step personally, from vine to bottle.

Vineyards and working methods

The estate farms just under 3 hectares of vines. The plots sit on chalk soils facing south-east. This gives the Chardonnays finesse and elegance, and the Pinots Noirs and Meuniers a pronounced fruit character. The estate is certified HVE and VDC (Haute Valeur Environnementale, Viticulture Durable en Champagne). The family itself speaks of "viticulture raisonnée", that is, a considered, gentle approach to growing. According to the sources available, the estate is not certified organic.

The champagnes

The house's calling card is the Brut Origin. This multi-award-winning cuvée is made up of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and Meunier, and 25% reserve wines. It shows floral and fruity aromas, a generous palate and an elegant finish. The online shop also lists a Brut Rosé and a Brut Prestige.

Visiting and tasting

• Cellar tours, vineyard visits and tastings are on offer.
• English, Spanish and French are spoken.
• The house receives visitors from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday mornings by arrangement. Opening hours vary depending on the source, so it is wise to book ahead.

Address: 2 Rue de la Tuilerie, 51120 Vindey.