Raymond Boulard Champagne

Raymond Boulard Champagne: A champagne house rich in tradition

Raymond Boulard Champagne is a name that is used in the Champagne stands for tradition, quality and authenticity. The champagne house was founded in 1952 by Raymond Boulard in La-Neuville-aux-Larris and has since built a reputation for outstanding wines and a deep connection with the terroir of the region. The house's best-known champagne is the "Vieilles Vignes" cuvée, which is made from old vines and is appreciated for its fine, complex flavours.

History of the house Raymond Boulard Champagne

The Boulard family's history in viticulture goes back 217 years. For more than two centuries, the family has been cultivating its vineyards in the Champagne and has always been committed to traditional craftsmanship. Raymond Boulard, the namesake of today's champagne house, laid the foundations for the winery in 1952 by producing his first champagne on a small plot of land. His vision and dedication to viticulture were carried on by his children, who run the estate today.

The Boulard family is known for its down-to-earth and authentic approach to winegrowing. Unlike the big Champagne houses, which focus heavily on branding and luxury, Boulard stays true to its roots and puts the wine and the terroir at the centre. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of their work, from the cultivation of the vineyards to the vinification and marketing of their champagnes.

Viticulture and vineyards

The vineyards of Raymond Boulard extend across various crus sites in Champagne, including a Grand Cru site. Today, the estate cultivates a total of around 10 hectares of vines. The main grape varieties are the classic Champagne grapes Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. These are grown in the renowned regions of Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims cultivated.

A remarkable aspect of viticulture at Boulard is the use of biodynamic methods. Some of the vines are certified biodynamic, which emphasises the family's deep connection with nature and the terroir. Francis Boulard, one of the current owners, is particularly active in the organic wine scene and regularly exchanges knowledge and experience with other organic winegrowers.

The grapes are carefully brought to the winery in small baskets to ensure their integrity. This careful handling helps to maximise the quality of the grapes and therefore also of the finished champagne.

Vinification and champagne styles

The House of Boulard produces a variety of cuvées using different vinification methods. Some wines are matured in small wooden barrels, which gives them additional complexity and depth. In the fresher champagnes, malolactic fermentation is interrupted in order to preserve a lively acidity, while in the fuller champagnes it is completed in order to achieve a softer texture.

A common feature of all Raymond Boulard champagnes is spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. This approach reflects the high standards and quality of the vines, as healthy grapes are necessary to use this method successfully. Although the wines are more difficult to produce as a result, they develop more complex and terroir-driven flavours that reflect the character of the individual vineyards and grape varieties. Vintages reflect.

The most famous champagne: Vieilles Vignes

Boulard's best-known champagne is the "Vieilles Vignes" cuvée. This cuvée is made from grapes from particularly old vines that are deeply rooted and therefore deliver particularly concentrated and complex flavours. "Vieilles Vignes" is characterised by its pure and clear aromas, which are a quiet delight and a contrast to the often loud and glamorous presentations of many other champagne houses.

Current information and seat

The Raymond Boulard champagne house is still based in La-Neuville-aux-Larris, a small village in the Champagne region. The current owners, the children of Raymond Boulard, cultivate the vineyards with the same care and dedication as their father. Francis Boulard in particular enjoys greater publicity and runs a constantly up-to-date, informative and humorous blog in which he describes the life of a Champagne winemaker and provides insights into the work in the vineyard and cellar.

The 10 hectares of vineyards are spread over a total of 10 crus and one grand cru site, which emphasises the diversity and quality of the grapes. The biodynamic cultivation of some of the vines and the collaboration with other organic winegrowers are further evidence of the Boulard family's commitment to sustainable and quality-orientated viticulture.

To summarise, Raymond Boulard Champagne is a champagne house that upholds tradition and authenticity. With a history of over two centuries in viticulture and a clear focus on quality and terroir, the house offers outstanding champagnes that capture the essence of Champagne in every bottle. The "Vieilles Vignes" cuvée is a prime example of this philosophy and a must for any lover of fine champagne.