J. Charpentier

The Charpentier family has worked as a Vigneron Indépendant for five generations. The estate is in Villers-sous-Châtillon, on the Route touristique du Champagne, around 15 kilometres from Épernay. The roots go back to the 19th century: in 1874 the farmer Léonidas Charpentier planted vines. The J. Charpentier brand was born in 1974 with the marriage of Jacky Charpentier and Claudine Claisse. Today Jacky Charpentier runs the estate with his son Jean-Marc, who studied oenology. One source also names Marie-Pierre as another daughter working in the business.

Vineyards, grape varieties and way of working

Figures for the vineyard area vary between 13 and 15 hectares depending on the source. Hachette speaks of 13 hectares in ten crus of the Vallée de la Marne. The parcels lie in Reuil, Binson-Orquigny, Châtillon-sur-Marne, Le Breuil, Neuville-sur-Seine, Verneuil and Avenay Val d'Or, among others. The red varieties Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir cover about 80 per cent of the vineyard, the rest is Chardonnay. The estate holds the Haute Valeur Environnementale label. In the cellar there are casks and oak foudres. The first alcoholic fermentation takes place partly in cask or foudre and lasts two to four weeks. According to one source, the grapes are pressed on a traditional wooden champagne press.

“The roots go back to the 19th century: in 1874 the farmer Léonidas Charpentier planted vines.

The cuvées

• Réserve Brut: 80 per cent Pinot Meunier, 20 per cent Pinot Noir, 30 to 36 months on the lees, 5.8 g/l dosage.
• Premier Cru: a blend of 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Chardonnay.
• Tradition Brut: 95 per cent Pinot Meunier, with a little Pinot Noir. It is one of the flagships of the house.
• Millésime: rated 92 out of 100 points by Gault&Millau for the 2008 vintage.

Visit and tasting

Because tasting a product is one thing, knowing the secrets of how it is made is another. On the cellar tour the family shows the whole process: pressing, cuverie, cellar with foudres and casks, ageing, riddling desks and disgorgement. A member of the family accompanies guests and answers questions. At the tasting beside a tank you can see a 17th-century press and a disgorgement line from the early 20th century. The estate is open Monday to Saturday from 9 to 12 and from 2 to 5.30 pm, and on Sunday mornings and public holidays by appointment only. Tours start at 10.30 am, 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm. The house also rents out holiday apartments with a view of the statue of Urban II. Booking ahead is recommended.