Vely Prodhomme

Close to Reims, Séverine Vély and her partner Jean-Marie Di Girolamo took over the estate from four generations of the family in 2003. They are the fifth generation to work vines in Ecueil. The village is classed as a premier cru commune. The brand itself gives 1973 as its founding year.

Vines and working methods

The estate farms 4 hectares in premier cru sites, mainly Pinot Noir, including 1 hectare of Chardonnay. Pinot Meunier also plays a part in the cuvées. The two take their harvest to the Écueil cooperative for pressing. They handle the assemblage and the selling themselves. Directories list the estate as practising raisonnée viticulture. We could not find proof of organic certification.

The cuvées

The range runs from a Brut Nature blanc de noirs to a Brut Blanc de Blancs. The estate's website lists, among others:

• Brut Tradition
• Keshi
• Brut Rosé
• Brut Améthyste
• Demi-sec
• Brut Millésime
• Marquise des Anges
• Nuit Blanche

The Brut Tradition is a blend of all three grape varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier. It has a dosage of 8 g/l and spends 36 months in the cellar before it goes on sale. According to the Guide Hachette, the Marquise des Anges is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay was made without malolactic fermentation. The guide describes it as having fresh citrus notes and a long, saline finish.

Visiting and tasting

Tastings and sales take place at the estate. The house receives visitors from Monday to Sunday, preferably by appointment. You can also find the range and prices on the website. The address is 5 Rue de Chamery, 51500 Ecueil.