Lionel Carreau

A family since the 16th century

Champagne Lionel Carreau is a family-run estate in Celles-sur-Ource, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, the southernmost part of the Champagne region. The family has been passing on its winegrowing since the 16th century. The house in its present form was founded in 1991 under Lionel Carreau. As early as the 16th century, ancestors were tending vines for the Abbey of Mores, close by. According to the Guide Hachette, three generations work on the estate: Henri Carreau, Lionel and his daughter Oriane, who took over the running of it in 2013.

Vines and way of working

The family grows three grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Pinot Noir is the traditional main variety. Chardonnay came later. The rare Pinot Blanc is an inheritance from Lionel's grandparents. Harvesting is done by hand.

Gault&Millau describes the estate as covering 6 hectares. Hachette gives 3.79 hectares for Lionel Carreau himself, with his daughter managing part of the family's vines. Oriane's vineyard, known as Dame de Carreau, covers just under 2 hectares and is in conversion to organic. The estate is already certified HVE, VDC and Vegan, and is working towards organic certification. Around 20,000 bottles are produced each year.

Cuvées, visits and tasting

• Brut Tradition Blanc de Noirs: It has won several silver and bronze medals at the IWSC.
• Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes: This cuvée comes from Pinot Noir vines around fifty years old. Hachette describes it with notes of white blossom, butter and candied orange.
• Cuvée PréemBulles: The 2012 vintage contains 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 20 per cent Pinot Blanc.

Visits are by appointment only. The estate offers a 30-minute flight over the vineyards of the Côte des Bar, followed by a tasting of three glasses of champagne. Accommodation is also available at the estate.