Hubert Potaufeux

Natacha and Hubert Potaufeux run their champagne house in Prouilly. The village lies in the northernmost part of the Champagne region and is one of the 15 wine-growing villages of the Massif de Saint-Thierry. According to the house's website, the name comes from the Latin "Provinicelliacus", meaning "near the little vine".

Family and vineyards

The story of the house begins in the 1950s. In 1952, Raymond Potaufeux, Hubert's father, founded a vine nursery with plants he grafted himself, and in 1956 he planted his first vineyard of 10 ares in the lieu-dit "Les Narcevignes". He delivered his grapes to the Trigny cooperative. His eldest son Hubert took over the work in the vines in 1988, after a period abroad.

Today the estate covers 2.48 hectares in 17 plots, all around Prouilly. The three champagne grape varieties are grown: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The website describes the work in the vineyard as sustainable, agroecological viticulture on living soil. The house does not mention any certification there.

The champagnes

The range includes a Blanc de Blancs, the Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, a Brut Rosé, a Demi Sec, the Brut Prestige and a Brut Millésimé, among others. The wines are made at the Trigny cooperative. The house also offers visits to the cooperative by arrangement.

Visiting and staying

Guests can tour the cellar, have the champagne-making process explained and taste. It is best to ask about opening hours by phone on +33 3 26 89 90 04. The house also rents out four guest rooms on the same floor. A glass of champagne is served as a welcome. Address: 9 Rue Haute du Petit Moulin, 51140 Prouilly.