Rene Geoffroy

The house of Geoffroy is one of the most distinctive grower estates in the Vallée de la Marne. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy is the fifth generation of his family to grow grapes in the region. The roots lie in the premier cru village of Cumières and go back to the 17th century. Today the estate is based at 4 Rue Jeanson in Aÿ.

From selling grapes to making their own champagne

For generations the Geoffroys sold their grapes to the big champagne houses, as was usual for small growers. In the early 1950s Roger Geoffroy began bottling under the family's own name. Leadership then passed to René and later to Jean-Baptiste. In the 1970s René decided to make champagne only from the family's own vineyards. Jean-Baptiste took over in the late 1980s, after studying viticulture and oenology. Together with his wife Karine he moved the estate to Aÿ in 2008.

Vineyards and work in the vines

The 14 hectares lie on the slopes of Damery, Hautvillers, Fleury-la-Rivière and, above all, Cumières. They are spread across 35 parcels. The grape varieties are 42% Pinot Noir, 34% Meunier and 24% Chardonnay. The oldest vines were planted before 1926. In the vineyard the focus is on soil life. The estate avoids chemicals, uses cover crops and encourages beneficial insects to keep pests in check.

Cellar and cuvées

The parcels are vinified separately, in enamel-lined steel tanks, large wooden foudres, 600-litre barrels and Stockinger casks. The house's trademark: Jean-Baptiste blocks malolactic fermentation in practically all of his wines. This gives them tension and freshness.

• Expression: the first cuvée of the house, made from 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Meunier and 30% Chardonnay.
• Pureté: a Brut Nature with no dosage, made with a perpetual reserve.
• Blanc de Rosé: an Extra Brut Premier Cru from equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, developed by Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy.

There are also single-site and vintage cuvées such as Les Tiersaudes, Empreinte and Volupté. The estate's website mentions sales at the cellar door and organised visits. For details on dates and times, see champagne-geoffroy.com.