Velut

Jean Velut, a farmer on the outskirts of Troyes, settled on the slope of Montgueux in 1960 and began to cultivate vines there. A year after his son Denis joined him in 1975, he put his first champagne on the market. The first bottling took place in 1976. Today the house is run by Benoît Velut. According to the family, wine has been made in their region since the 16th century. The 60 years in the original text refer to the fresh start on the hill, not to the family's own champagne production.

Montgueux: chalk in the south of Champagne

Only 214 hectares of vines cover this isolated hill. Chardonnay accounts for more than 90 per cent, which makes Montgueux the southernmost Chardonnay terroir in Champagne. The chalky soil and the south-easterly aspect give the grapes good ripeness. It is also the only chalk terroir in the département of Aube.

The family's vines stand exclusively in Montgueux. Depending on the source, the area is 7.5 to 7.7 hectares. Around 83 per cent is Chardonnay, the rest Pinot Noir. The estate is certified HVE level 3 and VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne).

The cuvées

• Premier Temps: a brut from the standard range.
• Patience: a blanc de blancs brut nature.
• Témoignage: the 2015 vintage is pure Chardonnay from three plots in Montgueux. It was aged in stainless steel tank, has a dosage of 5 g/l and spent eight years on the lees in bottle.
• Noir de Craie: a blanc de noirs made from 100 per cent Pinot Noir from vines more than 50 years old, with a dosage of 3 g/l. That is unusual for Montgueux.

There are also, among others, L'Oubliée and Lumière et Craie, as well as a rosé and a Coteaux Champenois made from Pinot Noir.

Visiting and tasting

Visits are possible by appointment, booked by email at least 48 hours in advance. The cellar visit and tasting last 1.5 to 2 hours and cost 15 euros per person. A member of the family accompanies the visit. The address is 9 Rue du Moulin, 10300 Montgueux.