Goulard Jean-Luc

In Trigny, in the Massif de Saint-Thierry about 12 km from Reims, Florence and Jean-Luc Goulard carry on a long family tradition. Their son Pierre shares their love of the land and the wine. The house has been working for three generations. The bottles now mostly bear the name Pierre Goulard, while the EARL company still trades as Jean-Luc Goulard Gérard. This is a récoltant-manipulant, that is, a grower who makes champagne from his own grapes.

Vineyards and grape varieties

By the family's own account they farm 4 hectares in five villages of the Massif de Saint-Thierry and the Montagne de Reims. Gault&Millau, by contrast, gives 6 hectares. The varieties grown are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The grower has achieved real mastery with Meunier, which gives the champagnes their gourmand, unmistakably fruity character. The vines are on average about 30 years old. Work follows the Champenois tradition, with respect for the environment. No organic certification is documented.

Winemaking and cuvées

Everything from pressing to bottling is done in-house. Depending on the cuvée, the bottles age two to five years on the lees. The range includes Brut Sélection, Demi-sec Sélection, Rosé Sélection, Grande Réserve and De Marzella.

Particularly distinctive is De Marzella. This Brut Nature is made without dosage. Fermentation and ageing take place for six months in barrique. It is made up of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier, from sites in Trigny. The name recalls the village's land in the 10th century, before it was called Trigny. The estate's former website lists, for the Brut Tradition (40% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier, 20% Chardonnay), a gold medal in 2015 at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris, among other awards.

Visit and tasting

The tasting room looks out over the vineyards. You will be welcomed by Florence, Lucile or Pierre Goulard in a family atmosphere. Visits and tastings are by appointment only. You can reach the house by telephone on +33 3 26 03 18 78.