Grasset Stern

Moussy lies about three kilometres from Épernay, tucked among the vineyards. This is where Grasset-Stern is based, a family estate in the Vallée de la Marne wine-growing area, on the south-facing slopes of Épernay. Contrary to what the existing text suggests, the Grassets are not harvest workers but Récoltant-Manipulant: they do all the work in the vineyard and the cellar themselves.

Four generations in Moussy

The family's roots in Moussy go back to the 1890s. Janine and Pierre were followed by Maryse and Jean-Louis Grasset, who run the estate today. Their guiding principle is loyalty to the terroir. According to Sparkling World, Jean-Louis Grasset is the cellar master.

Vines, soil and working methods

The three champagne grape varieties, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grow on chalky soil. Drawing on the knowledge of earlier generations, the family creates subtle blends with a great variety of aromas. On environmental protection there is evidence to go on: the estate has been certified Viticulture Durable en Champagne (VDC) and Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) since May 2022. One directory also lists the Terra Vitis label. Organic farming is not mentioned anywhere.

Cuvées, visits and tasting

The range includes, among others, a ratafia, a cuvée aged in oak barrels, a blanc de blancs and a rosé. In summer 2018 the blanc de blancs and 100% Meunier cuvées were added. The blanc de blancs stands for finesse and goes well with fish and seafood, while the Meunier offers freshness and fruit. It should be served chilled, between 7 and 10 °C, but not ice-cold.

Visitors to the estate can follow the steps from work in the vineyard to the dressing of the bottle, taking in the press, the tank cellar, traditional riddling on the pupitre, storage and disgorgement. To finish, two cuvées are tasted in the tasting room. For German-speaking guests there is an advantage: according to a growers' directory, German and Italian are spoken. Address: 11 Rue Paul Ganon, 51530 Moussy.