Edmond Bourdelat

Brugny-Vaudancourt sits on the south-facing slopes above Épernay. This is where Bruno Bourdelat runs the family estate, which carries his father's name. Edmond Bourdelat founded the domaine in 1975. The grandparents of today's owner had only a handful of vines, and it was Edmond who then launched the family's own champagne.

Family and vineyards

Bruno joined his father in 1990 and took over the running of the estate nine years later. Other sources give 1996 as the year of the handover. Together with his wife Sandrine, he now farms around five hectares on the south-facing slopes of Épernay. Depending on the source, the figure is 4.7 hectares, planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The holdings are heavily fragmented and comprise no fewer than twenty-four parcels. Grape quality is close to the estate's heart, and it is certified HVE and VDC.

The champagnes

The range includes the Réserve Brut, a Sélection Brut and a vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut. The Émersion Brut is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. A particular curiosity is the Cuvée Narcose-44, which is aged for twelve months at a depth of 44 metres off the Île d'Yeu. The wines are considered elegant while keeping the vinosity of their origins. The estate is a récoltant-manipulant, which means it makes champagne from its own grapes.

Visit and tasting

Depending on the season, the tour takes you through the vines, explains how champagne is made from press to bottle, and ends with a tasting of the cuvées. On request, you can also see the press house, the tank room and the cellar. The average duration given is 120 minutes. The estate welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10 to 12 and 14 to 18 hours. As visits and tastings are in part by appointment only, it is best to phone ahead on +33 3 26 59 95 25. The address is 3 Rue des Limons, 51530 Brugny-Vaudancourt.