Thierry Massin

Dominique and Thierry Massin, brother and sister, farm 12 hectares of vines in Ville-sur-Arce, in the Côte des Bar at the entrance to the Arce valley. The Thierry Massin brand was created in 1977, when the two took over the family inheritance from their forebears. The estate goes back to their grandfather Michel Massin: he came from a family of pioneers in farming and winegrowing and planted his first vines as a child. Michel Massin later passed his shares on to Thierry and Dominique.

Soil and grape varieties

The vineyards stand on soils of Kimmeridgian and Portlandian, a mix of clay and limestone. Pinot Noir dominates on these soils. It makes up 70 per cent of the vineyard area, with 15 per cent Chardonnay and 8 per cent Pinot Meunier. Around 7 per cent is planted to old champagne varieties: Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Fromenteau and Petit Meslier.

Working methods and the change of generation

Thibault and Violaine, the children of Thierry and Dominique, are agricultural engineers and oenologists. The two cousins took over the running of the estate in 2017. The estate is HVE-certified (Haute Valeur Environnementale). According to Vignerons Indépendants, part of the estate has also been converted to organic farming. The soil is worked so that no herbicides are needed. Cover crops have been grown between the vine rows for over 20 years. In the cellar, the aim is to use as few additives as possible. The house motto is "Hommes de Terre, Hommes de Vin".

The champagnes

The range includes Arpents, 3P, Synapse, Contrées, Instant M, Embl'M and Les Oubliés La Chevêtrée, as well as vintage champagnes. The Solera is a blanc de noirs made from pure Pinot Noir, an extra brut. A tasting note on the forum La Passion du Vin describes the Solera as very tight and linear, with marked acidity.

Visiting: The estate is at Route des Deux Bar 6 in Ville-sur-Arce. According to a trade directory, it is open Monday to Friday from 9 to 12 and from 2 to 5 pm, telephone 03 25 38 74 01. To be safe, it is best to book before you visit.