Gratiot Delugny

Gratiot Delugny is based in Crouttes-sur-Marne in the Aisne département, in the western part of the Vallée de la Marne. Paris, Reims and Épernay are each about an hour away. The house is a Récoltant-Manipulant: it vinifies, makes sparkling wine from and sells its own grapes.

Family and history

Alfred and Mathilde Delugny, both from champagne families, founded the house in 1889. Emile Gratiot and Louise Delugny began vinifying in 1945. By its own account, the family has worked as growers, from father to son, since 1947. Today David runs the estate. Alongside his attachment to the terroir, he brings oenological expertise from his viticultural training. David Gratiot took over the estate completely in 2019. For more than 20 years he has been responsible for both the vineyards and the making of the champagne.

Sites and grape varieties

The vineyard is spread across Crouttes-sur-Marne, Nanteuil-sur-Marne and Charly-sur-Marne. The 9.65 hectares sit on clay-limestone soils, and the parcels receive different amounts of sun. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier form the basis. According to an older source, Pinot Meunier takes up roughly half the area, with around 4 hectares. Alongside them there are rarities: Petit Meslier was planted in 2008, and in 2012 the first single-variety bottle was released, "Bulles d’Avenir". Pinot Gris followed in 2015. The first Rosé de Pinot Gris, "Grains des Folies", came out in 2020. The house also shows its HVE-VDC certification on its website.

“By its own account, the family has worked as growers, from father to son, since 1947.

The cuvées

The house's signature is vinification in wood. The cuvée "Histoire d’Hommes" is vinified in barrel using old methods. It impresses with its roundness, is powerful and dense, and suits an entire menu. The range also includes Brut Sélection, Brut Rosé, Demi-Sec and a vintage Brut. The series of older vintages honours the founding couples of the house: Alfred (2004), Emile (2005), Mathilde (2008) and Louise (2009). All are blanc de blancs from the same vines. This makes it easy to compare cellar ageing and vintage influence side by side.

Visiting

The house is at 26 Rue de la Marne. According to Mappy, it is open Monday to Friday, with a lunch break: Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm, Wednesday and Thursday until 6 pm, Friday until 5 pm. The website lists oenotourism and stays in Crouttes-sur-Marne. Before visiting, call ahead on +33 3 23 82 15 36.