Gabriel Boutet

The house of Gabriel Boutet is in Cumières, a premier cru village on the north bank of the Marne, about five kilometres from Épernay. The Marne flows just 80 metres from the house. By its own account, the small maison was founded in the second half of the 19th century, and tourism sites give the mid-1860s. Since then, five generations of growers have passed the estate down within the family.

Family and history

The house is named after Gabriel Boutet. His grandson Luc Millet runs the estate today together with his wife Patricia. The two met at the wine school in Avize. After Gabriel Boutet died in 1971, his son-in-law Claude Millet decided to market the entire production himself, and had new cellars dug beneath the courtyard and garden for the purpose. In 1992 the family began making its own cuvées, and in 2000 it bought the estate's family home. The Boutet name remains on the label as a tribute to the ancestors.

Vineyards and methods

The estate farms four hectares of vines in premier cru sites, mostly family-owned. Pinot Noir dominates in Cumières, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The house points to the chalk subsoil and mineral-rich soils as the source of its aromatic character. According to Portrait du Vin, Patricia and Luc Millet have worked along the lines of agriculture raisonnée since setting up, and individual parcels are farmed biodynamically. Certification for sustainable viticulture was described there as being in preparation. The vineyards are grassed over. The champagnes are made without added animal proteins or gluten, which makes them suitable for vegetarians too. Épernay Tourisme lists the status as récoltant-coopérateur.

“In 1992 the family began making its own cuvées, and in 2000 it bought the estate's family home.

The range includes, among others:

Jahrgänge: Beschreibung aller Champagner Jahrgänge seit 1815

• Brut Mémorial: according to a retailer, 59% Chardonnay and 41% Pinot Noir
• Miss Pat Sweet: a blanc de blancs with a sweeter dosage
• Grande Réserve Miss Pat
• Cuvée Rosée 2011
• Subtilium under the Charles Millet label

There is also a Ratafia de Champagne.

Visit and tasting

Visits take place in small groups, with a maximum of 15 people. A tour lasts about 90 minutes and takes you through the vineyard and the vaulted cellars. It explains the history of the house, the terroir and how champagne is made. Depending on your wishes, you taste three to five cuvées as well as the ratafia. According to the tourism site, the tour with one cuvée costs 10 euros, and 12 euros with two cuvées. If you buy six bottles, the fee is waived. On request, sabrage (opening a bottle with a sabre) is also possible for groups of six or more. The house's website also offers information in German. It is always advisable to enquire in advance.