Legouge Copin

Legouge-Copin is a family estate in Verneuil, on the right bank of the Marne. Today Jocelyne and Jean-Marc Legouge run the domaine. It is a small récoltant-manipulant, growing its own grapes and making its own champagnes.

From Serge Copin to Legouge-Copin

The family has grown vines for generations. Their forebears worked their vineyards and sold the grapes to the champagne houses. In 1962 Serge Copin released his first champagnes under his own name. His eldest daughter Jocelyne grew up in Vandières among the estate's vines. Her husband Jean-Marc Legouge joined his parents-in-law's estate and learned the winegrower's craft at Serge Copin's side. In 1992 the two took over the estate and founded Champagne Legouge-Copin. The name stands for the second generation.

Vineyards and approach

The vineyard area is around 5 hectares, spread over 35 parcels. The plantings are 75% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay. Most of it lies in Vandières, a few kilometres from Verneuil. There is also one parcel in the Barsuraubois. Meunier is the signature grape of the Marne Valley, and it shapes the style of the house.

The work in the vineyard is certified. In 2019 the estate received the Haute Valeur Environnementale and Viticulture Durable en Champagne labels. According to the Guide Hachette, all the cuvées age for four years.

The cuvées

The range is compact and clearly structured:

• Tradition Brut: 70% Meunier and 30% Pinot Noir, a blanc de noirs typical of the Marne Valley.
• Rosé de Saignée: half Pinot Noir, half Pinot Meunier.
• Inspirations: the 2015 vintage contains 40% Pinot Noir.
• Other cuvées: Brut Réserve, Brut Millésimé, Clair de Rosé and Demi-Sec. There is also a ratafia.

The critics have taken notice of these champagnes. Gault&Millau, for example, rated the Inspirations 2011 at 88 out of 100 points.

Where to buy

The champagnes are sold directly from the estate in Verneuil. The domaine also sells through its online shop. It is wise to get in touch before you visit: the telephone number is 03 26 52 96 89.