Prophete & Co

The family estate lies in the small village of Barbonne-Fayel, in the Coteaux du Sézannais, in the south of the Marne. The area is regarded as an extension of the Côte des Blancs. Behind the Prophète & CO brand are the siblings Océane and Corentin. The CO in the name stands for their first names.

A family, a young brand

The two carry on the work of the family estate, which has existed for several generations. They launched their own champagne brand at the end of 2020. The parent company is EARL Prophète. The roles are clearly divided: Corentin moves between vineyard and bottle, Océane looks after the brand's image and development, and their father Philippe is the man for vines and machinery. Their mother Carine organises the day-to-day running of the house.

The aim is, by their own admission, unpretentious. Champagne stands for excellence, but in the siblings' view excellence can also be uncomplicated and relaxed. They wanted a champagne that can be shared on more everyday occasions too.

Vines and cuvées

The most widely planted grape variety is chardonnay. It is also the basis of the cuvée the house calls its signature. The range comprises four champagnes:

• Brut: the house's "must-have".
• Blanc de Blancs: 100 per cent chardonnay.
• Rosé: a rosé d'assemblage.
• Vieilles Vignes: made from vines more than 40 years old.

There is also a Ratafia Champenois. In the online shop the Brut costs 25 euros, the Blanc de Blancs 29 euros and the Vieilles Vignes 36 euros.

Sustainability, visits and tastings

The estate holds two certifications: the national HVE label (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and the champagne-specific VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne).

The tasting building was recently renovated, with support from the European Union and the Grand Est region. According to Winalist, it can hold up to 10 people. Visitors praise the tour led by Océane and the view over the vineyards. The estate lies at the edge of the village on the road towards La Forestière, right by the woods. It is advisable to book by telephone on +33 3 26 42 41 97. Address: 21 Promenade du Midi, 51120 Barbonne-Fayel.