Philippe De Sorbon

Champagne Philippe de Sorbon is a family-run house in Reims. The family story begins in 1901, when Auguste Tétard left his native Creuse, settled in Champagne and worked as a wine merchant. The house itself has described itself as founded in Reims since 1968. So 1901 marks the start of the family tradition, and 1968 the house as it is today.

Four generations and a name with a story

Auguste Tétard's son Maximilien took over in 1922 and devoted 60 years to the business. In 1968 his daughter Nicole Lathuillière-Tétard acquired vines in Verzenay. Martine Wallaert-Lathuillière now runs the house in the fourth generation, supported by her brother Philippe. Both remain committed to traditional production.

As for the name: Maximilien Tétard worked in the vineyards from the age of twelve and dreamed of going to university. He admired Robert de Sorbon, the 13th-century founder of the Sorbonne, and named his champagnes after the scholar in his honour.

“The family story begins in 1901, when Auguste Tétard left his native Creuse, settled in Champagne and worked as a wine merchant.

Sites and work in the vineyard

The ten hectares of vines lie on the Montagne de Reims, where Pinot Noir dominates, followed by Chardonnay. They include the grand cru villages of Verzenay, Verzy and Mailly, as well as Ludes as a premier cru. For many years the house has practised "viticulture raisonnée", in which work and inputs are tailored to each individual parcel. Partly grassed-over parcels are intended to lead, in the medium term, to HVE certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale). The house does not claim organic certification.

Cuvées and ageing

Carte d'Or, Millésimes and Cuvée Intemporelle are made exclusively from the first pressing of the three grape varieties. Fermentation takes place in tank at a constant 18 °C. Time on the lees is long: 2 to 3 years for the Carte Noire, 4 years for Carte d'Or, Perles de Rosé and Blanc de Blancs, and 5 years or more for the Millésimes and the Intemporelle. The Blanc de Blancs is 100 per cent Chardonnay. The Intemporelle is regarded as the quintessence of the house.

Visiting in Reims

The address is 18 rue Houzeau-Muiron in Reims. Martine Wallaert-Lathuillière is happy to receive visitors. Welcome and tour are by prior appointment only. The champagnes can also be ordered directly from the house.