Henry De Vaugency

In Oger, a grand cru village in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, the Henry de Vaugency family runs its house at 1 Rue d'Avize. According to the house, knowledge has been passed from father to son here since 1732. Today Delphine and Pascal lead the eighth generation. Both feel a strong commitment to the terroir of Oger and to chardonnay.

Chardonnay from Oger

The house tends its own vines and relies on a single grape variety, white chardonnay. All of its champagnes are therefore blanc de blancs. The grapes come from Oger, a village classified grand cru, so the cuvées carry that classification. By its own account, the house carries out pressing, vinification, bottling, ageing, dégorgement and labelling on the estate. We were unable to verify any figures for the vineyard area.

The range includes these cuvées, among others:

• Sélection and Manon: the house describes the Manon as round and balanced, with notes of yellow and candied fruit.
• Des Amoureux: according to the house, a champagne for the aperitif and for fish starters.
• Louis: a powerful, rich and complex vintage champagne.
• 1732: the cuvée recalls the family heritage. The house describes it as mature and elegant, with notes of raisins and sweet almonds.
• Rosé d'Agathe: a “blanc de blancs rosé”, made by macerating pinot noir in the chardonnay must.

Museum, tasting and accommodation

The estate is home to the Musée du Mariage. It shows around 600 objects on 19th-century wedding customs, including a bridal globe, dresses and jewellery. There is also a room of old champagne labels that tell the history of the appellation, as well as old wine and vineyard tools. According to Lonely Planet, the collection was assembled by the parents of the present owners. After the tour comes a tasting in the cellar. The house also offers a visit to the cuverie.

Aperitif Champagner

If you would like to stay longer, Champagnevisit.be lists two guest rooms at the house. There is a restaurant for groups. According to Petit Futé, the house is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 6pm, and on Mondays by appointment only. A visit with tasting most recently cost 20 euros per person. Please check current prices and opening times with the house, ideally by phone on +33 3 26 57 50 89.