Familienweingut in Avirey-Lingey an der Côte des Bar: rund 3 Hektar, seit 1980 aufgebaut von Marc Hennequière, heute mit Frau Marie-Nelly und Tochter Clothilde.
Marc Hennequière is a small family estate in the south of Champagne. It lies in the Sarce valley in the Côte des Bar, and the grapes come exclusively from Avirey-Lingey. The village is in the Aube département, not far from Les Riceys. The house works as a Récoltant-Manipulant, which means it only makes wine from grapes it grows itself.
From the first vines to a family story
Marc Hennequière planted his first vineyard in 1980, aged 18. He is self-taught. The first 75 ares have grown to almost 3 hectares. In 1999 he began making champagne with his wife Marie-Nelly, whom he had met at the harvest. The family story continues with their daughter Clothilde. She now works at the estate as a winemaker and is also responsible for the website.
Vines, soils and cuvées
The vineyard covers 3 hectares. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grow on Kimmeridgian soils of clay and limestone. The house style is intimate, unfussy cuvées.
According to the online shop, the range includes Tradition, Marie-Nelly, Chardonnay, Rosé, Florale, Millésime and Prémices. In the trade you will also find Cuvée Saints & Sinners and L'Obsidienne Brut. According to the Guide Hachette, the Rosé is an assemblage with Pinot Noir as the main component, salmon-coloured, with notes of almond and pomegranate and red fruit on the palate. The estate describes the 2008 vintage as elegant and powerful, golden yellow, with a complex nose and fresh almond.
Visiting and tasting
Visitors can taste two cuvées. There is also a guided tour with commentary through the vineyards and cellar. The estate is open Monday to Sunday by appointment. On Winalist the experience costs 20 euros. The growers also hold a Cave Ouverte on the third weekend of July. According to Cap'C, the programme includes cellar visits, a champagne bar and sabrage. This information comes from earlier listings, so please check the date and programme with the estate beforehand. The address 1 Route de Pargues appears in the directories. The estate's own website gives the cellar as 6, chemin des Perrières.
Pictures
Sources: www.facebook.com, www.explore-grandest.com, www.hachette-vins.com, www.winalist.com, flashmatin.fr, www.avirey-lingey.fr, www.champagne-marc-hennequiere.com, www.champagne-marc-hennequiere.com
