Lopez Martin

The house of Lopez Martin sits in the heart of Hautvillers, a Premier Cru village in the Marne valley. By the family's own account, they have always cultivated vines. At the start of the 20th century, Ernest Martin decided to create his own champagne brand and sell it under his name.

One family, four generations

His son Henri Martin built the brand up. As mayor of Hautvillers, he campaigned for the creation and defence of the Champagne appellation. The existing text speaks of a deputy mayor, but the website gives the office as mayor. Henri Martin's daughter and later his grandson Patrick Lopez run the house together with his wife Catherine. Their son Olivier wants to carry the family's knowledge forward.

Vineyards and way of working

The family farms just under 10.5 hectares in Hautvillers: 4.45 ha of Pinot Noir, 3.74 ha of Pinot Meunier and 2.28 ha of Chardonnay. Added to this are 27 ares of Pinot Noir in Cumières, also Premier Cru. In total there are 160 plots across 27 different zones. This heavy fragmentation and the varying aspects make it possible to match each grape variety to the most suitable soil. The estate is listed as a family business with HVE certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale). That is not an organic label, but it does show environmentally conscious management.

The champagnes fall into two lines: the Cuvées de Tradition and the Cuvées de Coeur, each with its own story. The range includes Cuvée d'Or, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Cuvée Henri Martin, Blason d'Argent, Millésime, Sous les clos and Jéroboam. The Cuvée Henri Martin honours the grandfather and is made up of 34% Meunier, 33% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. It ages for four years on the lees. The 2018 vintage, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, spent a long time in chalk cellars dating from the 17th century and was riddled by hand.

Visiting and tasting

Visits are by appointment only: Monday to Friday from 9 to 11:30 am and from 2 to 4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The house, with its typically Champenois archway, lies just below the village car park. Address: 63 Rue des Côtes de l'Héry, 51160 Hautvillers.