Gaston Chiquet

The story of Gaston Chiquet in Dizy goes back a long way: in 1746 Nicolas Chiquet planted his first vines, and eight generations have worked the soil of Dizy ever since. In 1919 Fernand and Gaston Chiquet kept their grapes, made champagne from them themselves and sold it. The Gaston Chiquet brand was created in 1935. The family estate then grew into the vineyards of Aÿ and Hautvillers, to give them more room to manoeuvre when blending.

Family and vineyards

Since 2003 the brothers Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet have run the house. Together with Marion, Antoine's daughter, they farm 23 hectares in Dizy, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Hautvillers. The Club Trésors de Champagne also lists parcels in Crugny and Nanteuil-la-Forêt. Dizy, Hautvillers and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ are classed as Premier Cru, Aÿ as Grand Cru. According to the importer Skurnik, all the grapes, including those for the non-vintage, come from Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites. According to Club Trésors, the vineyard is planted 50 per cent Chardonnay, 30 per cent Meunier and 20 per cent Pinot Noir. Other sources give slightly different proportions.

In the cellar and the vineyard

Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet vinify parcel by parcel in small volumes of 40 to 90 hectolitres. Malolactic fermentation is always carried out. Since 2015 the estate has held the HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne) certifications. Depending on the season, the soil is covered with grass or other cover crops in 20 to 40 per cent of the vineyards.

The range includes Tradition, Cuvée de Réserve, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ, the vintage cuvée Or and the Spécial Club. Gaston Chiquet is a founding member of the Club Trésors de Champagne. The vintage Chardonnay from Aÿ comes from five parcels on the western side of the Grand Cru village. The Cuvée de Réserve is made up of 40 per cent Pinot Meunier, 35 per cent Chardonnay and 25 per cent Pinot Noir, from different parcels and vintages.

Visiting and tasting

Welcome and cellar visits are possible by appointment. French and English are spoken, and the capacity is 20 people. You will find the house at 912 Avenue du Général Leclerc in Dizy.