Veuve Olivier Et Fils

Veuve Olivier et Fils is a family estate in Trélou-sur-Marne, in the Aisne département, in the west of the Vallée de la Marne. Edmond Olivier founded the estate in 1922 on the right bank of the Marne. His daughter Liliane built up the work together with her son Pierre and in 1955 christened the brand "Veuve Olivier et Fils". The name therefore recalls Liliane, the widow. Contrary to what the introduction suggests, the knowledge did not simply pass from father to daughter: it has been handed down through four generations.

Family and vineyards

Today the estate is run by the founder's great-granddaughter, Sandrine Charpentier-Olivier. Her parents Michelle and Pierre support her and have passed on to her their experience as growers. The estate farms more than 18 hectares in 21 parcels around Trélou-sur-Marne. The grapes grown are pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. In the vineyard the estate practises lutte raisonnée and controlled natural grass cover. As a récoltant-manipulant, every cuvée is made in its own cellar from its own grapes.

Press, wood and special cuvées

The grapes are pressed slowly in traditional or modern Coquard presses. Each parcel is vinified separately, so that the champagne shows the character of its own soil.

• Secret Boisé: 100 per cent chardonnay from old vines, a blanc de blancs aged in oak barrels and matured for six years on the lees.
• Perle de Saignée: a rosé de saignée from 40-year-old vines, made by leaving the grape skins in contact with the juice for a short maceration.
• Carte d'Or: this cuvée rests mainly on meunier (60 per cent), complemented by pinot noir and chardonnay in equal parts.

Visiting and tasting

The house sits in the middle of the Marne valley in a flowering park. Tastings take place in a reception room with a panoramic view over the Marne valley, and groups are welcome. Companies can hold working meetings there, with a cellar visit and tasting. The estate is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. Outside these hours, visits are possible by appointment. Delivery is available through the online shop.