Jacques Rousseaux

Champagne Jacques Rousseaux is a small family estate in Verzenay. The village lies in the Montagne de Reims and is classified 100% Grand Cru. Pinot Noir is at the heart of everything here. The family has deep roots in the village: in 1776 the name François Rousseaux appears in the village archives. Paul Rousseaux, born in 1884, wanted to make his own champagne and sell it himself. In the 1960s Jacques took over the estate and, together with his wife Bernadette, spent 30 years building up sales. Since 1 January 2001, Céline and Eric Rousseaux have welcomed guests to the estate.

Vineyards and approach

The family farms 8 hectares of vines in Verzenay and Verzy. The wines are 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, mostly blends from different vintages and from 50 plots. The house wants to showcase the Pinot Noir grape and carries the HVE label (Haute Valeur Environnementale). The bottles age in two cellars. The older one is around 150 years old and holds about 20,000 bottles.

The cuvées

The range includes the Tradition Grand Cru, the Cuvée Montgolfière Grand Cru, a Grand Cru Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut, the Cuvée de Réserve, L'Autre R and Noir de Vigne. A Coteaux Champenois is also made.

• Tradition Grand Cru: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, dosage 4 g/l.
• Cuvée Montgolfière: The label shows a hot-air balloon above the Phare de Verzenay.
• Noir de Vigne: This champagne is made from Pinot Noir.

Visiting and tasting

Visits and tastings are possible, formerly by appointment only. Besides French and English, the estate's website also lists German as a language. It is a good idea to book ahead. You will find the estate at 5 Rue de Puisieulx in Verzenay, or you can call 03 26 49 42 73 (from the UK: +33 3 26 49 42 73).