Hostomme

The Hostomme family can be traced in Chouilly back to the early 16th century, and the first records of the family in the village date from that time. They came to winegrowing late, though. After the phylloxera crisis, Paul Hostomme was able to buy badly damaged plots, because that was the only way small growers could afford land. The first wines under the Hostomme label reached the market in 1931. Today the house is run by Laurent, Paul's great-grandson, and his wife Chrystelle. Laurent Hostomme represents the fourth generation.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The heart of the estate lies in Chouilly, a grand cru village on the Côte des Blancs. At almost 500 hectares, Chouilly is the largest grand cru commune in Champagne. Laurent Hostomme describes the family's holdings there as small but varied: 8 hectares spread across numerous tiny plots. In total the house farms 15 hectares itself and buys in grapes from a further 15 hectares, from friends or family members. The figures for the vineyard area vary depending on the source, and the Hachette guide gives 13 hectares. The house works as a négociant-manipulant, and its vineyards are HVE certified (Haute Valeur Environnementale).

“At almost 500 hectares, Chouilly is the largest grand cru commune in Champagne.

Chardonnay makes up 60 per cent of the plantings and Meunier 37 per cent. Pinot Noir, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc share the remaining 3 per cent. Further sources include the Vallée de la Marne (among others Boursault, Œuilly, Dormans) and the Montagne de Reims (among others Chamery, Écueil, Serzy). Annual production is around 250,000 bottles.

The cuvées

The entry point is the Brut "Tradition", made from all three principal grape varieties. The flagship is the Origine, a blanc de blancs grand cru that keeps the freshness of the fruit and highlights the mineral notes of Chardonnay. An example of the house's work with wood is the "Réserve". It comes from a selection of the oldest Chardonnay plots in Chouilly, whose roots reach down more than 10 metres. It is made without malolactic fermentation, 70 per cent in stainless steel tank and 30 per cent in wood. The proportion of reserve wine is 30 per cent. With this the house wants to continue the tradition of always giving the blends a little wood. There are also vintage and rosé cuvées, as well as one-off bottlings such as "Aether", which is made from a single barrel.

Visiting and tasting

The house welcomes guests at the family estate in Chouilly. It shows visitors its history, the vineyards and the cellars, and offers individually arranged tastings. The address is 5, rue de l'Allée, 51530 Chouilly. You can book an appointment by phoning +33 3 26 55 40 79.