Gaspard Crepaux

James and Carine Gaspard are heirs to four generations of winegrowers and work as récoltants-manipulants in the Côte des Blancs. The Gaspard-Crépaux estate is based in Cramant, a village whose vineyards are 100 per cent classified Grand Cru. Carine Gaspard has been based in the Côte des Blancs since 1994 and runs the house as gérante and cellar master. The website describes the two of them as children of winegrowing families, in the fourth and fifth generation.

Vineyards and approach

The estate farms 6 hectares. The vineyard is described as 100 per cent Chardonnay, with 70 per cent of it in the Côte des Blancs. The plots are heavily fragmented and were planted between 1954 and 2014. By their own account, quality and typicity come before quantity. The work in the vines is environmentally conscious and sustainable (viticulture raisonnée). The estate does not mention any organic certification.

The winemaking is split between Cramant and the neighbouring village of Grauves, where the family also has roots. The cuvées age for at least three years. According to a travel portal, the wines are made in stainless steel tanks.

The cuvées

The range is manageable. The website lists Tradition, Cuvée de Réserve, Millésime 2018 and Rosé. The Cuvée de Réserve comes exclusively from Grand Cru sites, as a blanc de blancs. The Millésime 2018 comes from old vines and aged for six years. When I last looked, the website showed it as sold out. On style, the house writes of yellow fruit such as quince, dried flowers and grapefruit on the finish.

Visiting and tasting

The house sells directly from the estate, and a tasting is possible. Visits are by appointment, by email or telephone (+33 3 26 58 08 00), Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm. It is closed on Sundays. The address is: 69 Rue de la Noue, 51530 Cramant.