Gruet

Buxeuil is one of the smallest villages of the Côte des Bar in the south of Champagne. This is home to Gruet. The family has been rooted here since 1670. So the Gruets were working as growers long before they made champagne under their own name. The first bottles carrying the Gruet label, however, only date from 1975. Claude Gruet is the first in his family to make and sell champagne himself.

Family and vineyards

Claude Gruet and his wife are supported by their son Pierre-Charles. Family history is visible in the landscape here too: plots still carry the names "Bas Gruet" and "Sur Gruet", in the neighbouring village of Neuville-sur-Seine. Figures for the vineyard area vary depending on the source. Older guides give 10 to 20 hectares. More recently, 36 hectares has been mentioned. On top of that comes close cooperation with trusted growers. The house itself describes its soils as clay-limestone.

The variety of grapes is remarkable. The estate cultivates all the champagne grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier. That is rare.

The cuvées

The range runs from classic blends to rare single-variety bottlings. According to Gault&Millau, the Grande Réserve is made up of 85 per cent Pinot Noir and 15 per cent Chardonnay. The Cuvée des 3 Blancs brings together Chardonnay, Arbane and Pinot Blanc. There is also a Cuvée Arbane and a Pinot Blanc, both of which Gault&Millau rates 90 out of 100. For the rosé, the house blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and red wine aged in oak barrels before the second fermentation. The wines age for at least two years, and the dosage is 8 to 10 g/l.

In the vineyard, the house relies on sustainable practices. It holds the "Terra Vitis" and "Haute Valeur Environnementale" labels.

Visiting and tasting

The house welcomes visitors in Buxeuil. It offers a tour of the estate and a tasting of three cuvées. This takes an hour and a half on average, with prices starting at 20 euros per person. Tours are given in French, English and Portuguese. In high season, from May to October, it is wise to book several weeks ahead. Address: 48 Grande Rue, 10110 Buxeuil.