Vollereaux

Vollereaux is an independent family house in Pierry, just a few minutes south of Épernay. The family has been working vines there since 1805. When grape prices fell after the First World War, Victor Vollereaux began making wine himself. He filled his first bottles of champagne in 1923. Today the sixth generation runs the house, represented by Franck and Hélène Vollereaux. Franck is responsible for winemaking, Hélène for welcoming guests and wine tourism.

Vineyards and approach

The house owns 40 hectares of vines spread over 17 villages. They lie mainly on the southern slopes of Épernay, in the Marne Valley and in the Sézannais. They include Pierry, Chavot-Courcourt, Monthelon and Moussy. The soils are chalk and chalky clay. In Pierry itself there are about 6 hectares of Premier Cru. The grapes grown are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. According to the house, 80 per cent of the vineyard area is certified under the environmental scheme HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale). For a family estate of this size, holdings like this are rare in Champagne, and they bring three clearly distinct terroirs into the glass.

The champagnes

The range includes the Brut Réserve, a Premier Cru Brut, a Blanc de Blancs made from pure Chardonnay and a Rosé de Saignée. There are also vintage and special cuvées such as the Cuvée Marguerite, named after the grandmother of the current owners. She ran the house during the Second World War. The Brut Réserve was chosen as a favourite by the readers of the Revue du Vin de France. For its centenary, the Guide Hachette praised a Blanc de Blancs made with Chardonnay from the Sézannais. In 2023 the Trophées Champenois named Vollereaux “Maison de l'Année”.

Visiting and tasting

The house receives guests in its cellars, which are well over 200 years old, at 48 Rue Léon Bourgeois. Tastings are possible from Monday to Saturday. Cellar tours and tasting packages are available by reservation from Tuesday to Saturday. Visitors describe the tours as personal and friendly.