G.H. Martel & C°

G.H. Martel & C° is at 17 Rue des Créneaux in Reims, in one of the oldest districts of the city, close to the Basilica of Saint-Remi. The history of the house begins in 1869: Gustav Heinrich Martel, a vine grower in Avenay-Val-d'Or, founded it under his own name. The Tabourin family later took over the firm. Henry-Léopold Tabourin had been mentored by Auguste Devaux and had trained further in champagne oenology.

The Rapeneau family

In 1979 Ernest Emile Rapeneau acquired the house. The Rapeneau family has been working in Champagne for four generations. Christophe, cellar master and oenologist, son of Bernard Rapeneau, runs the house today. His older brother Jean-François looks after sales. Martel belongs to a group that, by its own account, is 100 per cent family-owned. It farms more than 200 hectares of vines with HVE3 certification and comprises eight champagne houses. The champagnes of Martel & C° are sold in France and across Europe, with more than 2 million bottles produced.

The three classic varieties are used: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. The range includes a Brut Rosé and the vintage cuvée Victoire, among others.

Chalk pits and ecomuseum

What sets the house apart lies underground. The medieval chalk pits (crayères) were dug between the 4th and 15th centuries and have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Champagne since 2015. Alongside them are a Champagne ecomuseum with a collection of old Champenois tools and buildings from the 18th century. The house stresses its family, intimate character throughout.

Visit and tasting

• Visite & Dégustation Prestige: guided tour of the cave-museum and crayères, followed by two non-vintage champagnes (one blanc, one rosé), €30 according to the website.
• Visite & Dégustation Victoire: the same tour, followed by one non-vintage and one vintage champagne, €40.

The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and is held in French or English. Booking is required. The house also offers tastings without the tour. Prices may change, so check champagnemartel.com for current details.