Georges Laval

Georges Laval is a small family estate in Cumières, near Épernay on the right bank of the Marne. The village archives show that the family has worked vines there since 1694. Today Vincent Laval runs the estate, the fourth generation to do so. He joined in 1991 after completing his training and took over from his father Georges in 1996.

Organic since 1971

Georges Laval began making his own champagne in 1971. At the same time he converted the vineyards to organic farming, at a time when that was a rare exception in Champagne. A report on pesticide residues found in Arctic ice is often cited as the trigger. Vincent Laval continues down this path: the estate is certified organic, old vines are kept, and since 2010 around a third to two fifths of the vineyard area has been ploughed by horse. Figures for the size of the estate vary by source, between 2.5 and 3.5 hectares. The organic champagne growers' association gives 3.5 hectares. The grapes grown are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Vineyard sites and winemaking

The south-facing slopes of Cumières form a natural amphitheatre on chalk subsoil. The grapes ripen early there. The vines are spread over several parcels, which are vinified separately. Pressing is done the traditional way in a small Coquard press that holds only 2,000 kilograms. The wines ferment in oak barrels, with wild yeasts according to the importer. Many cuvées are released without dosage as Brut Nature.

The cuvées

• Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature: the house's village wine, with no dosage.
• Les Chênes: a single-vineyard Chardonnay.
• Les Hautes Chèvres: a lieu-dit above the village with clay and limestone, planted with old vines.
• Les Longues Violes: a Pinot Noir parcel, first bottled in 2012.
• Garennes: a blend of several vintages, aged in barrel.

The estate is hard to find: only a small sign by the doorbell points the way. We could not find reliable information on visits and tastings. Please ask in advance by email at champagne@georgeslaval.com.