Y. Laval

A family estate in the Côte des Bar

Champagne Y. Laval has been based in Bligny in the Côte des Bar since 1960, continuing a long line of Champagne growers. Bligny is a small village in the Aube département. Today the estate is run by Frédéric Laval, supported by staff and by Rémi, the son of Frédéric and Laurence. Laurence looks after the commercial side. The house is a Vigneron Indépendant and makes its cuvées itself.

Vineyard and approach

According to the website, the estate consists of a single plot of 12 hectares, planted over the years, mainly with Pinot Noir and with some Chardonnay. The association of independent growers gives 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay on 10 hectares. The figure for the surface area therefore differs depending on the source. The dominance of Pinot is typical of the Aube.

The family follows lutte raisonnée (sustainable viticulture), uses no insecticides and works the soil. The estate is also certified as an Exploitation de haute valeur environnementale. Organic certification is not documented.

The cuvées

The range on the website includes Tradition Brut, Zéro Dosage Extra Brut, Emotion Extra-Dry, Cuvée César, Rosé Brut and the Cuvée Léa Blanc de Blancs Millésimé 2020. The blends are made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Cuvée Léa is the house's vintage Chardonnay.

• Tradition Brut: the foundation of the range, also available in half bottle and magnum
• Zéro Dosage Extra Brut: for lovers of champagne with no dosage sugar
• Cuvée Léa: Blanc de Blancs, 2020 vintage

Visiting and tasting

Laurence and Frédéric welcome guests in the cellar. According to the growers' association, visits are possible by prior appointment, as are group visits of up to 40 people, also in English. During Route du Champagne events, the estate offered a guided cellar tour in French or English, followed by a tasting. The address is 4 Rue des Canes, 10200 Bligny. The estate delivers and ships throughout France and abroad.