Marquis De Pomereuil

Marquis de Pomereuil is not a family estate but the brand of the Cave Coopérative des Riceys. In 1922, 14 growers from Les Riceys joined forces because they were struggling to sell their wines. The cooperative's first champagnes followed as early as 1923. Today it has 55 growers farming around 95 hectares. Older guides still give 82 to 90 hectares.

Three appellations in one place

Les Riceys lies in the far south of Champagne, in the Côte des Bar. According to the cooperative, the village is the only one in France with three appellations: Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys. With 866 classified hectares, it is regarded as the largest terroir in Champagne. The subsoil is clay and limestone, typical of the Côte des Bar. The grapes come exclusively from the village of Les Riceys, above all Pinot Noir.

The brand name goes back to local history: until the Revolution, Les Riceys had a marquisate held by the Pommereu family. The brand itself was created in the 1970s. Other sources say the 1980s.

The cuvées

• Reflet Brut: one third each of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, dosage 8 g/l. A fruity introduction with notes of peach, citrus and raspberry.
• Rosé Tendre: according to Gault&Millau, 82% Pinot Noir, 11% Chardonnay, 7% Pinot Meunier.
• Les Fondateurs: the prestige cuvée, which pays tribute to the founders.
• Rosé des Riceys: the still rosé of the village's own appellation, which the cooperative also produces. The Hachette guide praises it.

According to Petit Futé, the cooperative is HVE and VDC certified. In 2022 the cave joined the Union auboise Vignerons en Champagne.

Visiting and tasting

You will find the sales room at 3-5 Route de Gyé in Les Riceys. According to Petit Futé, it is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:00. Groups should book in advance, and orders can be placed through the website. Shipping is available from six bottles. Check the opening times before you set out, especially outside the season.