F. Bergeronneau Marion

The champagne house F. Bergeronneau-Marion is based in Ville-Dommange, a well-known village on the Montagne de Reims, in Premier Cru territory. Generations of coopers and winegrowers have worked the land here since 1590. The family has only made its own champagnes since the 20th century, however. Florent Bergeronneau took over the family estate in 1982. His daughter Virginie launched her own label in 2012. She and her brother Fabien now run the estate together with their parents.

Vines and working methods

The estate grows Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir. Accounts of the total vineyard area differ: sources give anywhere between 3.5 and 15 hectares, so we do not commit to a figure here. In 2018 the house received HVE certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale), and since 2020 it has been converting to organic viticulture. Part of the cuvées are vinified in oak barrels.

The Clos des Bergeronneau

The heart of the estate is a walled plot in the middle of the village. Virginie and Fabien's grandfather already farmed it as a tenant; the family bought the land in 2006 and the Clos was created in 2007. Behind a gate lie 2.10 hectares, 75 per cent Pinot Meunier and 25 per cent Pinot Noir, facing south-east. The cuvée of the same name draws only on 45 ares of Meunier vines more than 70 years old. It is a pure Meunier with a dosage of 7 g/l. The first vintage, 2007, was released as a non-vintage.

The range also includes a Blanc de Blancs, a Grande Réserve, an Extra Brut and a Demi-Sec, among others. According to one merchant, the Rosé de Saignée is made from 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Meunier. Only 2,000 to 3,000 bottles of it are produced each year.

Visits and tastings

The estate offers cellar and vineyard visits as well as tastings. According to Reims Tourisme, a tasting of three champagnes costs 15 euros. A visit to the Clos with a tasting costs 22 euros. Sources give differing opening hours, so do get in touch beforehand: 22 Rue de la Prévôté, 51390 Villedommange, telephone +33 3 26 49 75 26.