Lacroix Triaulaire

The grandparents of today's growers took over a farm in the Côte des Bar, in the Aube département, in 1962, working as farmers and sheep breeders. Their son François Lacroix planted the first plots of Pinot Noir in 1972, began making wine in 1983 and has sold champagne since 1987. The family has therefore been rooted in Merrey-sur-Arce for several generations. The name of the house is Lacroix-Triaulaire.

The siblings and their vineyard

His children Théodore, an oenologist, and Marie-Claire joined in 2007 and 2012 respectively and took over the estate in 2013. As Vignerons Indépendants and Récoltants-Manipulants, everything is in their own hands, from vine to bottle. Figures for the vineyard area vary depending on the source. The Guide Hachette gives 8 ha, while the Vignerons Indépendants speak of about 9 hectares. The vines grow on slopes with marl soils of clay and limestone. The main variety is Pinot Noir, joined by Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Meunier, not widely planted in the Aube, accounts for more than a quarter of the vineyard area according to Hachette. The vineyard has been certified organic since 2025.

Cuvées and ageing

The single-plot cuvées come from one vintage and one grape variety. They are vinified and aged in oak barrels, while the blends mature in stainless steel tanks. The range follows a literary theme. “Le biographe” is regarded as the signature of the house style and brings together Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier, including reserve wines. The cuvée is made up of 67% Pinot Noir, 17% Chardonnay and 16% Meunier, with 41% reserve wines, 2.5 years of ageing and a dosage of 9 g/l. “L'interprète” is a vintage champagne from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. “Champraux” was developed by Théodore when he arrived at the estate and is a pure Pinot Noir. Other names in the range include “Poésie fruitée”, “Roman d'hiver”, “Mont Marvin” and “Val Soulois”.

Visiting and tasting

Tastings and sales are possible during opening hours without an appointment. Tours of the cellar or the vineyard are available by arrangement. English and Spanish are spoken there. The address is 4 Rue de la Motte, 10110 Merrey-sur-Arce. The telephone number is +33 3 25 29 83 59.