Maurice Vesselle

Champagne Maurice Vesselle is a family estate in Bouzy on the Montagne de Reims. The text that has circulated about this house until now mixed up details about an "Alain Vesselle" with the founding year 1885. That does not apply to this house. It was founded in Bouzy in 1955 by Maurice, who still puts his name on the labels today. There are several Vesselle winemaking families in Bouzy, and the family has several branches there.

Family and vineyards

Today his sons Didier and Thierry Vesselle farm the family's 7.5 hectares. Other sources give somewhat larger areas, up to 9 hectares. The figures for the generations also differ: one source speaks of four generations, another of five generations in Bouzy. The vines are planted exclusively in grand cru sites in the villages of Bouzy and Tours-sur-Marne. The soils are clay-limestone and south-facing, and the vineyard is planted 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.

Approach: the ones who plough

The hallmark of the house is its work in the soil. The brothers hill up, decavaillonner and plough all their vineyards deeply, as was done in the past. They call themselves "those who plough". In 2013 the estate was certified with the Haute Valeur Environnementale label. Organic certification, on the other hand, is not documented. In the cellar, the growers avoid malolactic fermentation to preserve the freshness and finesse of the powerful Bouzy wines. I could not independently confirm the claim "no barrels".

Cuvées and where to buy

According to Vins du Siècle, the range comprises Grand Cru Millésimé, Brut Grand Cru, Grand Cru Les Hauts Chemins Millésimé, Brut Grand Cru Cuvée Réservée, as well as Bouzy rosé and rouge. There is also a new Blanc de Noirs cuvée. The Rosé de Saignée from the old text is not documented. The house is known for a collection of older vintages. The champagnes are available from the estate and through the website, and are hard to find in the shops. If you would like to visit, ask directly in advance. The addresses are 2 Rue Yvonnet and 3 Rue Gambetta, 51150 Bouzy. I found no information on tours and tastings on site.