Serge Jumel

A family-run estate in Vertus

Champagne Serge Jumel is at 31 Avenue de Bammental in Vertus, a premier cru village in the south of the Côte des Blancs. Since 2018 Vertus has been part of the commune of Blancs-Coteaux, but the postal address is still Vertus. The house is run by Serge and Christine Jumel. The business has been listed in the company register since 1 January 1989. It is small and, according to the register, has one or two employees. A wine guide from 2016 lists Serge Jumel as a récoltant-coopérateur, that is, a grower who works with a cooperative.

The village itself is known for chardonnay. Of Vertus's roughly 540 hectares of vineyard, about 90 per cent is planted with chardonnay and 10 per cent with pinot noir.

The cuvées

At the centre of the range is the Blanc de Blancs Brut Premier Cru, made from pure chardonnay. The house's website describes it as a wine with a fine, persistent mousse. The aromas recall lime blossom and hawthorn, and the house recommends it above all as an aperitif. There is also a vintage blanc de blancs, listed on the website as the Millésime 2009.

A second line is the cuvée Probus. It is 50 per cent chardonnay and 50 per cent pinot noir, and comes from a single year. The website gives the vintage as 2008 and recommends it for drinking throughout the meal. Trade portals also list the Coeur de Vertus Brut Premier Cru. For which vintages are currently available, it is best to ask the grower directly.

Visiting the estate

The estate also offers guest rooms. Regional directories list four rooms, each with its own entrance. There is a terrace and parking in the courtyard. The house is listed with Gîtes de France, and the hosts speak French and English. The listings give opening times from March to December; the estate is closed in January and February. According to the directories, all details of times and services are not guaranteed. You should therefore ask ahead about a tasting in the cellar, ideally by telephone on +33 3 26 52 02 80. You will find further information at champagne-serge-jumel.fr.