Borel Lucas

In the middle of Étoges, a village close to the Côte des Blancs and not far from the château dating from the time of Louis XIII, stands the house of Borel-Lucas. Marcel Lucas founded it in 1929. It is still a family estate today and is now run by the fifth generation. As a récoltant-manipulant, the estate works exclusively with grapes from its own vineyards.

Family and vineyards

The champagne is made through the family collaboration of Jean-Marie, Roseline, Christophe and Céline Crépaux. The Hachette wine guide names Christophe Crépaux and his sons Florent and Augustin as the current management. The vineyard area there is 14.7 hectares. Older sources speak of 13 hectares. The parcels are spread across the Marne Valley, the Côte des Blancs (Cramant) and the Coteaux du Petit Morin around Congy and Étoges.

This gives rise to a range of different cuvées: some with the fruity character of Meunier, others with the minerality of the grand cru Chardonnays of the Côte des Blancs.

Method and cuvées

The family remains faithful to the traditional press. According to an English-language description from the house, the wines age for at least thirty months. The pure Chardonnay selections from Cramant then rest for a further six months.

• Cuvée de Réserve: This is an assemblage champagne.
• Le Rosé: A rosé de noirs made from Meunier, in which 16% red wine aged in barrel is blended into the white wine.
• Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: This includes the cuvées Soleil d'Or (a vintage champagne), Sélection and Art Divin.
• Munificience: A pure Pinot Noir with aromas of dried fruit and orange marmalade.

Visiting and tasting

The house welcomes visitors at 3 rue Richebourg in Étoges, Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 12 noon. A cellar tour and tasting are on offer. English is spoken. Visits are possible for groups of up to 20 people. It is advisable to book in advance on 03 26 59 30 46.