Lheureux Plekhoff

The house of Lheureux Plékhoff was created in 2002 through the union of Georges Lheureux and Stéphanie Plékhoff, and is based at the Manoir de Montflambert in Mutigny. The manoir brings together two historic family houses: the Lheureux-Saintot of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and the Plékhoff of Vandières. Georges Lheureux had already founded the Georges Clément brand in 1997, named after his two grandfathers. In the 17th century the estate was a hunting lodge.

Vineyards and methods

According to the Guide Hachette, the house farms 14 hectares of its own vines, partly organic, spread over around fifteen crus in the Grande Vallée de la Marne, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. The crus include Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Hautvillers, Mutigny, Avenay-Val-d'Or, Verzy, Chouilly and Oiry. This variety supplies all three champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The cuvées are made and aged in the cellars in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The estate works towards sustainable viticulture and holds HVE certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale). The Guide Hachette lists the producers as négociants-manipulants, which means the house tops up its own harvest with bought-in grapes.

The cuvées

The names of the cuvées draw on the history of the house.

• Le Pavillon d'Artémis: the entry-level brut, a blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay
• Le 25e Ordre (grand cru): a nod to the harpsichord piece "La Montflambert" by François Couperin from 1730
• À travers le mythe: a blanc de blancs from 100% Chardonnay, with vines averaging 27 years old
• Le Verre Galant: the rosé, named after a countess and friend of Henri IV
• Hérauts Modernes: an extra brut from organic farming

Georges Lheureux also likes to experiment. For the cuvée La légende d'Ys he had 1,200 bottles aged at a depth of 60 metres off the island of Ouessant. It is sold at the estate for €155.

Visiting and tasting

The Manoir de Montflambert also welcomes guests. Visitors report that a tasting of the different champagnes can be arranged. Stéphanie Plékhoff leads the tastings herself. Walking trails run through the vineyards around the house. You can find the house at: Manoir de Montflambert, 51160 Mutigny.