Yves Jacques

Champagne Yves Jacques is a family estate in Baye, between the Côte des Blancs to the north and the Sézannais to the south. Coming from the Brie champenoise, André Jacques settled in Baye in 1932, where a few islands of vines thrive on the right bank of the Petit Morin. The family are Récoltants-Manipulants, which means they make their champagnes themselves from their own grapes.

Three generations in Baye

The second generation was shaped by Yves Jacques. He took over the estate in 1955 and five years later launched his own brand. Other sources give 1962 for the first bottles. Rémi Jacques followed him in 1985. Today he runs the house with his wife Valérie. Their children Quentin and Bastien also work in the business. The estate is certified as a High Environmental Value (HVE) farm.

Sites, grape varieties and cuvées

The estate farms 17 hectares between Baye, Sézanne, Chouilly and Ay. Chouilly and Ay are classified grand cru. There are also plots in the Marne valley and in the Aube. All three champagne grape varieties are grown. The champagnes are aged in the family's own cellars in Baye using the traditional method.

The Cuvée 1932 recalls the first Meunier vine that André planted in 1932. It is made mainly from Meunier from Baye and the Marne valley. Pinot Noir from the Bar-sur-Aubois and Chardonnay from the Sézannais complete the blend. The Cuvée MCM 82 stands for the year 1982, the year Rémi returned to the estate. The range also includes the Cuvée Tradition, Cuvée Sélection, Cuvée Rosé and the Cuvée Gisèle. The Cuvée Tradition won a gold medal in Lyon in 2021.

Visiting and tasting

The house shows visitors the presses and the pressing house, and the whole process of making the cuvées. In the courtyard there are vines which are used to explain the grape varieties and the work in the vineyard. To finish, a cuvée of the guests' choice is tasted. The estate is open Monday to Saturday from 9 to 12 and from 2 to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 9 to 12. Booking ahead is recommended, and on public holidays it is required. Address: 1 Rue de Montpertuis, 51270 Baye.