Georges Sohet

The house of Georges Sohet is in Ludes-le-Coquet, in the middle of the Montagne de Reims. The family describes itself as a winegrowing family since 1659. Today Cyril Sohet runs the estate as a Vigneron Indépendant. The grapes grow on the family's own plots and are made into wine in its own cellar. The family also looks after the sales itself.

From Georges to Cyril

The brand itself is younger than the family history. After the First World War, Georges Sohet and his wife Lucile decided to make a champagne of their own. The name Georges Sohet et Fils came about when Georges joined forces with his sons Lucien and Prosper. According to the house, thirteen generations of growers have now worked the family's vineyards.

Vineyards and cellar

The 27 plots lie in the villages of Ludes and Chigny-les-Roses, both Premier Cru. The house gives 3.64 hectares, while the directory of the Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne lists 3.63 hectares. The planting is 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir. From this come around 30,000 bottles a year.

Trade directories describe a sustainable, carefully considered approach to vineyard work (viticulture raisonnée). Winemaking is said to take place in stainless steel tanks, and the white wines go through malolactic fermentation. According to the same sources, riddling is done by hand on the pupitre. Organic certification is not documented.

The champagnes and visiting

The range includes a Brut and a Rosé, the Cuvée S and a Demi-Sec. There are also the Cuvée Nos Jardins and the single-site cuvée Ludes Le Coquet, for which a 2014 vintage is listed. At the Concours des Vignerons Indépendants, the Brut 2020 won a gold medal.

Visitors are welcome by appointment, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm according to the website. The house expressly mentions a cellar tour and tasting, and English is spoken. Groups of up to 30 people are possible. The address is 6-8 Rue Carnot, 51500 Ludes, telephone +33 3 26 61 12 80.