Robert Grandpierre

Robert-Grandpierre is a family estate in Viviers-sur-Artaut in the Aube département. The grower family has worked since the 18th century in the heart of the Côte des Bar, in the south of Champagne. Vincent Grandpierre carries on a savoir-faire built on more than 300 years of family practice and, according to the house, is a vigneron in the twelfth generation.

Family and vineyards

As early as 1850, Honoré Robert and Modeste Lécuriot were making and selling their own wine. In 1911 Armand Robert took part in the growers' revolt and afterwards campaigned for the delimitation of the appellation, up to the agreements of 1927. Paulette Robert and François Poupet grubbed up and replanted with selected AOC Champagne vines. They produced the family's first champagne and created the Robert-Grandpierre brand.

The estate covers 9.5 hectares of AOC Champagne. The focus is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the well-exposed slopes around the village. The marl and limestone soils led the growers to choose these varieties. As for the way of working: chemical herbicides have been abolished on the estate, weeds are controlled mechanically or by hand, and the whole vineyard is under managed grass cover.

“In 1791, after the sale of church property, villagers became the first owners of part of the priory's land.

The Prieuré de Viverie

In 1180 a priory was founded in Viverie, later Viviers-sur-Artaut, at the instigation of the abbey of Montier-en-Der's neighbour, Montieramey. In 1791, after the sale of church property, villagers became the first owners of part of the priory's land. Today Vincent Grandpierre is bringing the former 12th-century Benedictine priory back to life. Champagnes are made under the name Prieuré de Viverie only in exceptional years. The house speaks of four vintage cuvées. A trade directory lists them as Cuvée 1180, 1205, 1515 (rosé d'assemblage) and 1740 (rosé de saignée), each from the 2012 vintage.

Cumières

Cuvées, visits and tasting

Under the Robert-Grandpierre label, the directory lists a Blanc de Noirs, Réserve, Blanc de Blancs, Rosé de Saignée and Prestige.

Visits are possible by appointment, by telephone or email. The tour takes you past the emblematic cask, where two Robert-Grandpierre champagnes are tasted. In the caveau, a glass of vintage Prieuré de Viverie follows. Each session takes between six and twenty people. Group tours and events can be arranged. The telephone number is +33 3 25 29 63 22.