Chevrolat

Champagne Chevrolat is a family-run estate in Les Riceys, the village in the south of Champagne, in the Aube. It is considered the commune with the largest area of planted vines in the region. The parents of today's generation did not found the estate as a champagne house: Michel Chevrolat took over in 1984 the business that his father André had built up in 1952.

From co-operative supplier to récoltant-manipulant

At first Michel Chevrolat carried on delivering his grapes to a co-operative. He worked with a co-operative until 1999, then switched to independence, installed a press and vinified for the first time in 2003. According to the Guide Hachette, the first champagnes under the family's own label come from the 2004 harvest. Today the house is a récoltant-manipulant: the wines are made entirely on the estate. His wife Nathalie looks after administration and welcoming visitors. The Cuvée Florale is named after their daughter Flora.

Pinot Noir at the heart

The vines stand around Les Riceys, on about 7 hectares in total. They are planted mostly with Pinot Noir. Some parcels remain reserved for the local appellation. The range runs from the Brut Réserve through the rosé champagne made by maceration to the Rosé des Riceys. According to Hachette, the rosé champagne is made by macerating Pinot Noir for 72 hours. The Rosé des Riceys is a still rosé that may only be produced in this commune. The Guide Hachette listed the estate without a break from 2006 to 2013.

Visits and tastings

By its own account, the estate works with a modern press and a modern cuverie. The wines age in a vaulted stone cellar which the estate dates to the end of the 18th century. This cellar is typical of old Riceys and carries the quality label of the Champagne tourist route. Visitors can look round it and taste in the spacious reception room. One guest on Tripadvisor reports very good champagnes, including the Rosé des Riceys and several blancs. The address is 7 bis, Rue du Pont, 10340 Les Riceys. It is best to book ahead, and you will find the current opening hours on the house's website.