Robert-Allait

The Robert-Allait family has been rooted in Villers-sous-Châtillon for five generations, a village in the Marne Valley that now belongs to the commune of Cœur-de-la-Vallée. Sylvie and Régis Robert took over the family estate, and today they are supported by their daughter Stéphanie and son-in-law Aurélien Poussin. From Épernay, you can reach the house in about ten minutes by car.

South-facing slopes and Meunier

The vines grow on the south-facing slopes of the Marne Valley between Dormans and Épernay, spread across six villages. The vineyard area is usually given as 13 hectares (as in the Hachette wine guide), though more recent sources mention 14 hectares. All three of Champagne's grape varieties are grown, Meunier above all. The house is one of the few that vinifies it as a single variety in several cuvées. Sources differ on the number of these cuvées: three or four.

The cuvées

• Réserve Brut: 100% Pinot Meunier, two years on the lees, vinified entirely in stainless steel tanks.
• Plaisir Nature: 100% Meunier with no dosage, meant to show the freshness and fruit of the variety.
• Le Mont de Reuil: a single-parcel cuvée of pure Pinot Meunier, 2016 vintage, Brut Nature.
• Cuvée Prestige: made from all three grape varieties, aged 36 months in the family cellar.
• Éclat de Meunier: a Rosé de Saignée.
• Cuvée Stéphanie: a Blanc de Blancs, 2016 vintage.

Other cuvées include Jordan and Pinot Chromie.

Sustainability and visiting

The estate holds the HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and VDC (sustainable viticulture in Champagne) certifications. In 2018 it also set up beehives in the vineyards to promote biodiversity. The honey is sold in the online shop and at the estate.

Visits and tastings are possible. The estate is open Monday to Saturday from 9 to 11:30 am and from 2 to 5:30 pm. Booking in advance is recommended. Address: 6 rue du Parc, 51700 Villers-sous-Châtillon.