Philippe Rouyer

Fleury-la-Rivière is a village on the slopes of the right bank of the Marne. This is where Philippe Rouyer has his house, a récoltant-manipulant. In other words, he sells only champagne made from his own grapes. Philippe Rouyer comes from three generations of récoltants and took over the estate in 1986. The house's website speaks of four generations, so he is carrying on the family tradition as the fourth.

Vineyard area and grape varieties

The estate comprises 4.50 hectares in the village itself. It is a Meunier estate: 70% Pinot Meunier, 15% each of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Meunier gives the cuvées three quarters of the vineyard as their foundation. That suits the slopes of the Vallée de la Marne, where this grape variety has traditionally done well.

Working in the cellar

By its own account, the house farms sustainably (viticulture raisonnée). This is not an organic certification, and it is not presented as one. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, and the grapes are pressed in a modern membrane press with a stainless steel cage. Fermentation and vinification take place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromas. One particular feature is disgorgement à la volée, just as the ancestors did it. All the cuvées are made exclusively on the estate.

“Philippe Rouyer comes from three generations of récoltants and took over the estate in 1986.

The cuvées

According to Vignerons Indépendants, the range includes a Brut nature, a Brut, an Extra Brut and a rosé. The Cuvée Tradition reflects the grape variety split of the estate. The Guide Hachette describes it as a cuvée that favours young wines: the edition in the 2025 guide blends the 2022 and 2021 vintages. For an earlier edition, the guide gives 17,000 bottles produced. The blanc de blancs Pur White is produced in a run of 4,000 bottles and aged in tank. The guide describes it with fresh notes of white blossom, lime blossom and citrus fruit.

Visiting and tasting

• Address: 10 Rue Chauffour, 51480 Fleury la Rivière
• Visits: by prior appointment only, daily 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm, for up to 8 people.
• Tasting and sales: tastings and sales take place at the estate.
• Language: According to the association's profile, no foreign languages are offered. It is worth bearing this in mind when you book.
• Telephone: 03 26 58 44 29