Cuperly

The house of Cuperly was founded in 1845 in Mourmelon-le-Petit and initially traded in wine and spirits. The family only came to champagne around 1900: Robert Cuperly began buying and building up vineyards in Verzy, a flagship of the grands crus of the Montagne de Reims. Today the house is based in Prunay. In 2008 a new, functional building was erected there to expand production and increase the share of exports.

One family, several generations

Robert was followed in 1940 by Jean Cuperly, and from 1967 his son Gérard gave the house fresh momentum. In 1997 Anne-Sophie Cuperly joined the business with her partner Sébastien Lecca. According to Gault&Millau, the house is now run by Cécile Cuperly, while her daughter Sophie drives exports forward as marketing director.

Vineyards and winemaking

The historic vineyard lies exclusively in Verzy, and around 20 parcels are farmed with the two classic varieties, pinot noir and chardonnay. According to the house, the cuvées come from the crus of Verzy, Verzenay and Mailly-Champagne, over deep chalk subsoil. The grape varieties also include pinot meunier in the Réserve Brut. Figures for the vineyard area differ depending on the source, so we do not give a number here.

“The house of Cuperly was founded in 1845 in Mourmelon-le-Petit and initially traded in wine and spirits.

Wood is characteristic of the house: around 35 per cent of the reserve wines age in oak barrels from the Montagne de Reims. Malolactic fermentation is avoided in order to preserve the natural fruitiness.

Cuvées, visits and tasting

The Grande Réserve Brut Grand Cru is made from 60 per cent pinot noir and 40 per cent chardonnay and spends five years on the lees. The house also lists the Grande Réserve Rosé, the Joyeuses Fêtes and the Cuvée Prestige. The Prestige Blanc de Blancs comes from Verzy, Verzenay and Le Mesnil and spends one year in oak barrels, followed by five years in bottle on the lees.

Cumières

Visitors can see the modern cellar, the fermentation room, the riddling hall, the disgorgement area and the packaging hall, followed by a tasting. You will find the house in the ZI Les Monts de Sillery on the Route de Sainte Ménehould in Prunay. According to the Comité Champagne, it is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 17.30, and on Friday mornings. Booking ahead is advisable.