William Saintot

Avenay-Val-d'Or is a premier cru village on the Grande Vallée de la Marne. It is home to the house of William Saintot, a family estate with a long history. The first vines were planted in 1918 by Firmin Saintot, great-grandfather of today's grower. He was followed by his son Clément, who founded a brand of his own, and then by William, who bought the first parcels and became a vine nurseryman. Today the family has been growing grapes for five generations and making champagne for three.

Family and vineyards

The estate is now run by Nathalie and her son Morgann Trebutien. Nathalie took over in the 1990s and created new cuvées, including the vintage champagne and the prestige cuvée. Morgann later added, among other things, the single-parcel cuvée «La Côte de Chignon» and a Rosé de Saignée.

The vineyard covers around 10 hectares, spread mainly across Avenay-Val-d'Or, Mutigny and Bisseuil, all three premier cru. There are also parcels in the Aube, in Champignol-lez-Mondeville. Pinot Noir dominates with 85 per cent, alongside Chardonnay, Meunier and a small share of the «forgotten» varieties Arbane and Petit Meslier. The proportions are given slightly differently depending on the source.

“The first vines were planted in 1918 by Firmin Saintot, great-grandfather of today's grower.

Methods and cuvées

The house is certified HVE and «Viticulture Durable en Champagne». It avoids weedkillers and insecticides and uses only copper, sulphur and plant-based products. The soils are meant to be alive and home to a rich biodiversity, which is why they are ploughed regularly. Chardonnay, Petit Meslier and Arbane are certified organic, with the first certified harvest in 2022.

The champagnes are made as Extra Brut, and part of the wines age in wooden barrels. The range includes, among others, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Prestige, Trilogie and La Roseraie. Gault&Millau rates the Blanc de Blancs 93 out of 100 points.

Weinberge Champagne

Visits and tasting

Nathalie or Morgann will welcome you and explain how the house's champagnes are made and where the wines come from. The cellar is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm. The house recommends booking an appointment beforehand, which leaves time for the house, the champagnes and the story behind how they are made. You will find the estate at 4, Rue Charles de Gaulle, 51160 Avenay-Val-d'Or.