Didier Depit

Champagne Didier Dépit is a family estate in Le Breuil, in the Vallée du Surmelin. The valley cuts deep into the plateau, and the slopes on the right bank face south, which suits vines well. The village lies in the Marne département, west of Épernay, close to Dormans.

Family and way of working

By their own account, the family has worked its vines here for four generations. Older directories, such as that of the Champagne trade association, still speak of three. Today Didier and Sylvie Dépit run the estate together with their children Sabine and Florian. The estate is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), the highest of the three French environmental levels. The family says it combines traditional methods with modern technology.

Vines and cuvées

The website gives 7.31 hectares of vineyard, planted with Pinot Meunier, plus 56 ares of Chardonnay. The focus on Meunier suits the Surmelin valley, which belongs to the Vallée de la Marne.

The cuvées carry names from the family. The Cuvée Clotaire remembers Didier's paternal grandfather. The Cuvée Marie-Claire is a réserve in a blue bottle. It bears the middle names of Estelle and Sabine. The Flo Dry is a brut nature and takes its name from Florian's nickname. There are also a brut, a demi-sec and a rosé. A Coteaux Champenois, that is a still wine, completes the range.

Visits and tasting

Visitors are welcome by appointment. Bookings go through the telephone number 03 26 59 24 04. Groups of up to 15 people are possible. The family welcomes its guests sincerely and without fuss. If you would like to stay longer, Petit Futé reports a gîte at the same house. The tourism directories give the address as 3 Rue du Carrefour, while the website also lists 24 Rue du Vieux Moulin. So when you book, ask where to meet.