Vignon Pere & Fils

Vignon Père & Fils is based in the heart of Verzenay, the grand cru village on the northern flank of the Montagne de Reims. The Vignons have lived in the village centre since 1946. According to the Guide des Vins, the family's first vineyard plots were bought as early as 1810. Stéphane Vignon, the family's third generation of growers, has run the estate since 2001, according to Champagne Terroir. Before that he worked as a caviste and trained in Alsace at Clos Saint-Landelin.

Vines and sites

The estate covers 6.70 hectares, mostly in the grand cru sites of Verzenay and Verzy. Its hallmark is plot-by-plot champagne, with 55 plots meant to produce wines that mirror place and vintage. The blends are mostly Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay added, often from old vines. All the wines are grand cru, dosed as extra brut and vintage-dated.

Working in the cellar

The plots are vinified separately, about half of them in barrels on the lees. Natural yeasts are used, and most cuvées see neither fining nor filtration. Chaptalisation is not something they aim for. The estate is not certified organic, but certification for sustainable viticulture is under way.

The cuvées include Les Vignes Goisses, Potences-Rochelles and Vol au Vent. Les Vignes Goisses is also made as an extra brut rosé from 100 per cent Pinot Noir. The Réserve des Marquises 2015 is 65 per cent Pinot Noir and 35 per cent Chardonnay. There is also a still white wine from Verzenay, the Coteaux Champenois “Contre Vents et Marées”.

Visit and tasting

Stéphane Vignon welcomes guests for a visit to the cellar and cuverie, a walk through the vineyards and a tasting. German, English and French are spoken. The address is 10 Rue Colet, 51360 Verzenay.