Jacques Defrance

Domaine Jacques Defrance lies in the heart of the Côte des Bar and has been producing a broad range since 1867, including the famous Rosé des Riceys. Four generations have worked these vineyards since then. Les Riceys sits in the south of Champagne, in the Aube département, and is known for its still rosés.

Family and vineyards

The Guide Hachette gives the succession as Louis, Roger, Jacques and now Christophe. Christophe Defrance, son of the founder, has run the estate since 1988. Together with his wife Marie-Dominique and, for a few years now, their daughter Anne-Sophie, he farms around 12 hectares today, planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Blanc also appears in the cuvées: according to a merchant profile, the Cuvée Exception is made from 100% Pinot Blanc. This is a récoltant-manipulant, that is, a grower who makes champagne from his own grapes.

Working methods

Since 1988 Christophe Defrance has practised integrated viticulture that respects biodiversity. Insecticides, anti-botrytis treatments and herbicides have been dropped, and all soils are worked mechanically. The estate has been certified Terra Vitis since 2017, and level 3 of HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) was added later. Organic certification, on the other hand, is not documented.

The champagnes

The range is varied. Among those named are Extra Brut Excellence, Extra Brut Exception, Brut Argile Rosé, Native Brut and Rosé, as well as the creations "1867" as a vintage and Perpétuelle. The Cuvée Native Extra Brut stands out with notes of mirabelle plum and pear. Then there are Prestige, Tradition, Millésimé and a Brut Nature. Not to be overlooked is the Rosé des Riceys, a still wine from Pinot Noir that can age for a long time in good vintages.

Visiting: The estate receives visitors Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 noon and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday are by appointment only. The address is 28 Rue de la Plante, 10340 Les Riceys, telephone +33 3 25 29 32 20.