Francart

The House of Francart has been based in Vaudemange for five generations, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. The estate lies at the foot of the Montagne de Reims regional park, in a village classified as Premier Cru. The family works as a récoltant-manipulant, which means they make their wine entirely from their own grapes. Rachel and Philippe Francart welcome visitors and show them around the estate and their craft as growers.

Vaudemange and the "White Pearl"

Because of its Chardonnays, Vaudemange belongs, together with three other villages, to the terroir known as the "Perle Blanche" of the Montagne de Reims. Chardonnay is therefore an important building block at Francart too. The estate has farmed in an environmentally friendly way for several years and is certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne). The estate does not state its vineyard area on its website.

The champagnes

The range includes a Blanc de Noirs "Cuvée Juliette", Brut, Brut Réserve, Demi-sec, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Prestige and Extra Brut, as well as a ratafia.

• Brut Tradition: It is made of 50 per cent Chardonnay and 50 per cent Pinot Noir. A share of reserve wine provides consistency, and it ages for 48 months in the cellar. One merchant describes notes of apricot, pear and mango.
• Prestige: The cuvée is made of about 52 per cent Chardonnay and about 48 per cent Pinot Noir, with a share of reserve wine. It ages for at least seven years in the cellar and comes from carefully selected old vines.

The champagnes are sold in France, Italy and the USA.

Visits and accommodation

Visits are possible by appointment. The tour leads from the vines through the press house to a tasting of the different cuvées from the estate's cellars. A visit with tasting costs from 15 euros for individual guests. If you would like to stay longer, there are four guest rooms on the Champagne Route, each for two to three people. They go by the name "Le Clos du Moulin".