Doyard

Family and history

Doyard has been a récoltant-manipulant for four generations, and the family has grown vines for twelve. The domaine is based in Vertus, at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs. The roots go back to 1677, when a marriage certificate for Jean-Baptiste Doyard listed "winegrower" as his trade. Maurice Doyard began farming vines in Vertus in 1919 and from 1927 bottled under his own name. Yannick Doyard took over in 1979, and today his son Guillaume runs the estate. The house has been awarded the "Jeune Talent du Champagne" prize by the jury.

Vines and working methods

The domaine farms 11 hectares: 10 hectares of Chardonnay in Vertus (Premier Cru) as well as in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant (all Grand Cru). Add to that 1 hectare of Pinot Noir in Vertus and in Aÿ (Grand Cru). The land is spread over 54 lieux-dits averaging 0.20 hectares each. The average vine age is 40 years. There is no new planting; only dead vines are replaced.

The website describes the farming as "viticulture raisonnée", using as few inputs as possible and working the soil mechanically. Importers and merchants sometimes speak of organic or biodynamic work, for example in the walled Clos de l'Abbaye behind the house. We could not find proof of any official certification. All cuvées spend at least 48 months on the lees.

The wines

The range is dominated by Chardonnay. Cuvée Vendémiaire, the house's best-selling champagne, is made from three vintages of Chardonnay from Vertus. The extra brut blanc de blancs include Voie d'Oger from Avize and Mont Ferrés from Vertus. Clos de l'Abbaye is a half-hectare clos with vines planted in 1956. Other names in the range are Révolution, Les Lumières, La Libertine and the rosé Œil de Perdrix. There are also still wines, bottled as Coteaux Champenois.

Visiting and tasting

The winery and reception are at 39 Avenue du Général Leclerc in Vertus. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 7 pm. Since 2010 Doyard has been a member of "Les Artisans du Champagne", an association of 16 growers.