Michel Brocard

The Michel Brocard estate is based in Celles-sur-Ource, in the Aube département. The village belongs to the Bar-sur-Seine wine-growing area, also known as the Barséquanais, in the Côte des Bar. As a Récoltant-Manipulant, the house sells only champagne made from its own grapes. According to the Guide Hachette, the family goes back to 1930. The great-grandparents of today's growers were reportedly the first in Celles-sur-Ource to make champagne themselves.

Family and vineyards

Since 2006 the family estate has been run by Caroline Brocard, who is now registered as manager (gérante). The vineyard area is 8 hectares. By the estate's own account, the plots lie exclusively on the slopes of the Ource valley. The soil is ploughed several times, the rows between the vines are grassed over, and bark from birch and fir is meant to slow soil erosion.

The Guide Hachette describes the estate as run biodynamically. It is best to check this directly on the spot when you visit, because we could not verify a current certification.

Grape varieties and cuvées

As is usual in Celles-sur-Ource, Pinot Noir dominates. Alongside it come Chardonnay and a few plots of Pinot Blanc. This variety is rare in Champagne and only occasionally grown in the Aube. It is the house's particular speciality.

• Cuvée Tradition: The 2005 vintage reviewed by the Guide Hachette was made up of 90% Pinot Noir, 5% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Blanc.
• Cuvée de Réserve: The edition reviewed, from the 2003 harvest, contained 75% Pinot Noir and 25% white grapes, of which 10% was Pinot Blanc. There is also an Extra Brut version with a very low dosage.
• Origine: A blanc de blancs from the 2006 harvest with 30% Pinot Blanc. The guide lists it as barrel-aged.
• Rosé: According to the guide, it is made from pure Pinot Noir.

An older source also mentions a Cuvée "100" made from pure Pinot Blanc. Whether it is still in the range is best clarified with the estate.

Visiting and tasting

The estate is at 14 Grande Rue in Celles-sur-Ource. According to the Guide Hachette, you can taste there and buy directly from the cellar door. There are no guest rooms or gîte. Appointments are arranged through the estate, telephone +33 3 25 38 51 43.