Bonnevie-Bocart

The champagne house Bonnevie-Bocart is based in Billy-le-Grand, a small Premier Cru village on the south-eastern slope of the Montagne de Reims, about 22 kilometres from Châlons-en-Champagne. The village is classified as Premier Cru. The estate works as a Récoltant-Manipulant and belongs to the Vignerons Indépendants, which means it makes champagne only from grapes grown on its own land.

Family and vineyards

Béatrice Bocart joined her parents' estate in 1992 together with her husband Éric Bonnevie. When the parents' generation retired in 2007, the couple launched their own brand. Sources differ on the number of generations: the estate speaks of three, while a trade association directory says four.

The vineyard covers 5 hectares, planted with 48% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay and 6% Pinot Meunier. The plots lie around Billy-le-Grand as well as in the Marne valley and the Ardre valley.

Approach and cuvées

The estate has held HVE certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale) since 2015 and, according to the Guide Hachette, is converting to organic. Alongside champagne, it also makes ratafia, which the Vignerons Indépendants directory lists as a protected speciality.

The Cuvée Prestige is a Premier Cru from Billy-le-Grand. It is 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, and comes from the estate's best plot. Its dosage is 3 g/l. It won a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2021.

The Cuvée Spéciale Fût de Chêne comes from Billy-le-Grand and Chambrecy in the Ardre valley. It is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, and is aged 100% in oak. Vinified and matured for a year in oak barrels, it has a dosage of just 0.8 g/l. The range also includes a Blanc de Noirs and a Brut Tradition, among others. The Brut Tradition won a silver medal at the Vignerons Indépendants competition in 2017.

Visit and tasting

The estate welcomes guests at 10 Rue du Midi. On a visit you get to know the modern production facility and every stage of champagne making. On offer are a cellar tour, a vineyard walk, a tasting and direct sales. The visit on its own costs 6 euros. As opening hours vary, it is best to call ahead on +33 3 26 67 95 67.