Dom Caudron

Dom Caudron is not a classic family estate but a growers' cooperative. In 1929 the village priest, Dom Caudron, suggested to the growers of Passy-Grigny that they pool their strengths and make a champagne of their own. With a donation of 1,000 francs he made it possible to buy a site, production equipment and a press. 23 growers brought their knowledge together at the time.

Meunier from Passy-Grigny

The vineyard area started at 12 hectares and today stands at more than 130 hectares on the slopes of the Marne valley. All the vines are in the village of Passy-Grigny. The number of member growers is given differently depending on the source, somewhere between a good 60 and around 90.

The grape mix is 80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The soil is clay and limestone. Add to that the morning mists and the freshness of the river. Meunier brings fruitiness and roundness, which is why the house has specialised in blanc de noirs. The growers work according to the principles of sustainable viticulture. A technician accompanies the entire growing cycle. Cover crops, soil tillage and pheromone confusion are meant to reduce the number of interventions.

The cuvées

• Prédiction: Made entirely from Meunier, it was the first cuvée of the house. Citrus and honey shape its character.
• Fascinante: a rosé d'assemblage.
• Cornalyne: It comes from Meunier, half of which is vinified and aged in oak barrels.
• Sublimité 50/50: a vintage champagne from Chardonnay and Meunier.

Further cuvées are Épicurienne and Brut Nature. Gault&Millau rates several of the house's cuvées between 88 and 92 out of 100 points.

Visit and tasting

The house welcomes guests at 10 Rue Jean York. The tour begins in the eco-museum with old presses and tools and tells the story of the house. Then it moves on to the modern presses, and you watch a 20-minute film about the work in the vineyard and the cellar. The "Expérience Meunier", with a guided tour and a tasting of three champagnes, costs €15. The "Trio chocolaté" pairs three cuvées with three chocolates and costs €27.50. For current offers and prices, it is best to ask the house directly.