Lacroix

The estate is in Montigny-sous-Châtillon, a small hamlet in the commune of Châtillon-sur-Marne, in the heart of the Marne Valley on the right bank of the river, 15 km from Épernay and 25 km from Reims. Lacroix is a family business, with two generations now at the helm.

Family and history

The estate was built up from 1968 on the right side of the Marne. The first bottles reached the market in 1974. The founder is Jean Lacroix. His son Anthony joined him in 1999. Anthony and Céline Lacroix, who both come from winegrowing families, have been established at the estate since 2014. The couple represent a new generation of growers who are trained in the craft and enjoy trying new things. For more than 40 years the house has belonged to the charter of the Vignerons Indépendants, whose motto is that you do everything yourself, from A to Z.

Vineyards, grape varieties and way of working

By their own account the family farm 13 hectares across eight villages: six in the Marne Valley (Montigny-sous-Châtillon, Châtillon-sur-Marne, Binson-Orquigny, Reuil, Venteuil and Cerseuil), plus Serzy-et-Prin in the Ardre Valley and Mont-Saint-Père in the Aisne département. The Guide Hachette gives a slightly lower figure, 10.5 hectares. The vines are roughly 70% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The dominance of Meunier suits the Marne Valley.

“Anthony and Céline Lacroix, who both come from winegrowing families, have been established at the estate since 2014.

The estate is certified as an Exploitation de Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). It works according to the principles of viticulture raisonnée, that is, controlled farming that is gentle on the environment. According to Hachette, the vinification is careful, the bottles are riddled by hand, and there are foudres in the cellar.

Cuvées, visits and tasting

The range is broad: Cuvée Tradition, Cuvée Anthony as a blanc de noirs, Authentique as an extra brut, Grande Réserve, Excellence as a blanc de blancs, a vintage champagne (currently 2013), a rosé d'assemblage and a demi-sec. According to the Vignerons Indépendants, most bottles cost under €20, and the blanc de blancs and the vintage between €20 and €30.

Visitors are welcome. The house is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. At weekends and on public holidays it receives visitors by appointment. Booking by phone or email is requested. On Instagram the house mentions visits and tastings from Monday to Saturday. It is therefore best to ask in advance about the current opening times.