Francois Principe Arnoult

Champagne François-Principe Arnoult is not a family-run cellar but a growers' cooperative. It is based in Fleury-la-Rivière, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, between Épernay and Reims. It was founded in 1954 by 18 growers from the village. Today it has over 160 members.

A name with local history

The brand takes its name from a man from the village. It recalls the benefactor of the community, who was born into a poor family in 1790 and made his fortune in Paris as a wine merchant. The cooperative sells part of the harvest under this label, exclusively to private customers who visit in person. If you want to buy the bottles, your best bet is to call in. The wines carry the AOC Champagne. The website lists, among others, a Brut Traditionnel and a Rosé.

Equipment and way of working

The cooperative combines old and new. There is one traditional press and five pneumatic presses. The cellar holds 82 temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a combined capacity of 1,550,000 litres. By its own account, the cooperative helps each grower get the best out of the harvest. I found no verifiable details on grape varieties, individual plots or vineyard area. The sources also give no cuvée names beyond the Brut Traditionnel and the Rosé.

Visit and tasting

The visit is the real focus of the house. The tour follows the path of the grapes. It begins at the presses and leads through the cuverie into the cellar, with an explanation of how the champagne is vinified. It ends with the "Ambivalence" tasting of two cuvées in the panoramic room, with a view over the vineyards. Alternatively you can sit on the covered terrace, with a cold platter of regional specialities if you wish. The version with the platter lasts 150 minutes and costs from €40.

Tours are offered in French, English and Italian. At harvest time the house runs a special tour where you can watch the work at the press. As opening hours differ depending on the source, you should book directly with the house in advance. The address is Route de Damery, 51480 Fleury-la-Rivière. The house's own website gives Rue de Venteuil as the visitor address.