Pascal Machet

Champagne Pascal Machet is a family estate in Vaudemange. The village sits on a spur of the Montagne de Reims and is known as the "Perle Blanche". So the nickname belongs to the village itself. That it goes back to the house's Chardonnays cannot be confirmed from the sources. The Route Touristique du Champagne runs along the edge of the village.

Family and history

The estate was built up from 1840 onwards. For four generations the family has worked the land as farmers and winegrowers. Selling under their own name began in the 1980s: Pascal, Landry's father, brought the champagnes to market. The opening of the gîte rural in 1991 gave the brand a boost. Landry Machet took over the estate in 2012, having previously worked in industry. He runs it together with his wife Laura. Their daughters Elsa and Anaïs are growing up on the estate.

Vines and way of working

The vineyard area is around 4 hectares, mostly in premier cru sites. The house gives 4 hectares, while the Guide Hachette states 3.9. The plots lie in Vaudemange, in Merlaut in the Vitryat and in Essoyes in the Aube département. Chardonnay accounts for about 80 per cent, the rest is Pinot Noir. One directory also lists Meunier. By its own account, the estate practises sustainable, responsible viticulture raisonnée. According to the house, the champagnes are marked by mineral notes and a low dosage, and are meant to go with food.

The champagnes

The range includes Tradition Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Vieilles Vignes, Marie-Louise d'Eu, Premier Cru Brut and Demi-Sec. There is also a rosé. For the vintage-dated Brut, the Guide Hachette mentions a version with 60 per cent Chardonnay, completed by Pinot Noir and Meunier in equal parts.

Visitors are welcome. Reception, tasting and accommodation are at 12 rue d'Ambonnay. Cellar visits and estate tours are possible by arrangement. It is best to book in advance.