Raymond Boulard Champagne

Raymond Boulard Champagne: A champagne house rich in tradition

Raymond Boulard Champagne ist ein Name, der in der Champagne für Tradition, Qualität und Authentizität steht. Das Champagnerhaus wurde 1952 von Raymond Boulard in La-Neuville-aux-Larris gegründet und hat sich seitdem einen Ruf für herausragende Weine und eine tiefe Verbundenheit mit dem Terroir der Region erarbeitet. Der bekannteste Champagner des Hauses ist die Cuvée „Vieilles Vignes“, die aus alten Reben hergestellt wird und für ihre feinen, komplexen Aromen geschätzt wird.

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

Die Weinberge von Raymond Boulard erstrecken sich über verschiedene Crulagen in der Champagne, darunter auch eine Grand Cru Lage. Insgesamt bewirtschaftet das Weingut heute etwa 10 Hektar Reben. Die Hauptrebsorten sind die klassischen Champagnertrauben Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier und Chardonnay. Diese werden in den renommierten Regionen Vallée de la Marne und Montagne de Reims angebaut.

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.

Ein gemeinsames Merkmal aller Raymond Boulard Champagner ist die spontane Gärung mit natürlichen Hefen. Dieser Ansatz spiegelt den hohen Anspruch und die Qualität der Reben wider, da gesunde Trauben notwendig sind, um diese Methode erfolgreich anzuwenden. Die Weine sind dadurch zwar schwieriger herzustellen, entwickeln aber komplexere und terroirgeprägte Aromen, die den Charakter der einzelnen Lagen und Vintages widerspiegeln.

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.