Bonnaire

Champagne Bonnaire is based in Cramant, a grand cru village in the north of the Côte des Blancs. It was here that Fernand Bouquemont filled his first bottle in 1932. He is the great-grandfather of the present owners. The house's address is 120 Rue d'Épernay.

Family and vineyards

After the Second World War, Fernand's son-in-law André Bonnaire joined the business and devoted himself above all to viticulture. His son Jean-Louis later led the house to the reputation it enjoys today in the Côte des Blancs. Now the fourth generation runs the estate: the brothers Jean-Étienne and Jean-Emmanuel Bonnaire.

The family farms 22 hectares, planted mainly with Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier make up the rest. Almost half of the vineyard area lies in Cramant, and the vintage wines usually come 100 per cent from there. Further parcels are in Chouilly, Oiry, Bergères-lès-Vertus and Cuis. The figures given for the area in Cramant vary depending on the source.

Winemaking and cuvées

The grapes are vinified in tanks and old barrels. All dosages have been lowered, and the estate's Chardonnays have been certified organic since the 2023 harvest.

• Terroirs: a grand cru blanc de blancs from Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry.
• Cramant Vintage: 100 per cent Chardonnay from selected Cramant parcels on the mid-slope.
• Le Bateau: a lieu-dit made from the estate's oldest vines.
• Les Versants: an extra brut from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.

Peter Liem describes the vintage blanc de blancs as pure Cramant. He says it combines concentrated ripeness with a lively structure that suits long cellaring. The estate is best known for its creamy, opulent blanc de blancs.

Visiting

The house welcomes visitors all year round in Cramant and Bouzy. If you would like to taste, it is best to contact Bonnaire in advance. Current opening times and conditions can be found on the house's website.