Xavier Leconte

Champagne Xavier Leconte is based in the hamlet of Bouquigny, in the commune of Troissy, on the left bank of the Marne. Its origins go back to 1870, when Onésime Leconte brought winegrowing into the family. Xavier Leconte represents the fifth generation. His son Alexis, the sixth generation, has been involved since 2003 and shapes the style of the house. Alexis took over running the estate in 2013. He is a qualified oenologist.

Sites and grape varieties

The estate farms a good 10 hectares of vines. They are spread over around forty small parcels in Troissy, Dormans, Mareuil-le-Port, Vandières and Aÿ. All three Champagne grape varieties are represented. Pinot Meunier dominates at about 70 per cent, with the rest split between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sources give slightly differing proportions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Like his grandfather Aimé before him, Alexis organises his work around the lunar cycles. The soils of the individual parcels are taken into account in both the growing and the winemaking.

Wines and winemaking

In the cellar, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, foudres and oak barrels are used. The range is broad. It includes, among others, Secret de Femme Rosé, Signature du Hameau, L'Intuition d'Alexis, Charmes d'Anaïs and Prestige. The cuvée Coeur d'Histoire is regarded as a historic cuvée that shows the beginnings of the house.

A particular highlight is the single-site cuvée Le Clos de Poiloux 2010. It is 100 per cent Pinot Noir from a 78.8 are parcel in Troissy. The wine was vinified in oak barrels, spent at least seven years on the lees and is dosed at 3.5 g/l, Extra Brut. At the Vignerons Indépendants competitions, Le Charme d'Anaïs 2013 won a gold medal.

Visits and tastings

The estate welcomes visitors Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon, and at weekends by appointment. Booking by phone on +33 3 26 52 73 59 is recommended. It is around 18 kilometres from Épernay and about 30 kilometres from Reims. The route is via the A4, exit 21 Dormans. There is also a gîte on the property.