Organic Champagnes: Why such enthusiasm?

 

The wines of Champagne These are the ultimate prestige wines. With their fine bubbles and golden color, they illuminate our ceremonies and festive occasions. The AOC Champagne is indeed known for the production of these sparkling white wines. The wine world is increasingly sensitive to environmental concerns, and organic farming is spreading among winemakers. The Houses of Champagne participate in this desire to develop Organic Champagnes produced using healthier viticulture practices for the terroir.

Champagne organic: more natural bubbles

The terroir of Champagne

The vineyard of Champagne It covers 33,000 hectares across three departments: Aisne, Aube, and Marne. The soils on which the vines grow are primarily composed of clay-limestone marl. There are three main production areas in Champagne. First of all, the Reims Mountain primarily cultivates Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes and is located south of the city of Reims. Then the Côte des Blancs specializes in Chardonnay and is located near Epernay. Finally, the Côte des Bar It consists of a majority of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

It is on this magnificent terroir that the winemakers of the Grandes Maisons de Champagne they create their own blends. A classification based on the quality of the plots distinguishes the Champagne Grand Cru, THE Champagne Premier Cru and the village appellation. In order to produce wines expressing the full richness of the grapes and the terroir, winemakers are gradually turning towards organic farming and the biodynamics.

Towards organic viticulture

There organic viticulture is initiated in Champagne by seven pioneering winemakers in the 1970s. From 1998 onwards, a few Champagne winemakers joined forces to create the Association of Organic Champagnes (ACB). Year after year, the number of Houses of Champagne Practicing organic viticulture is increasing, and today there are more than 127 estates and 523 hectares of certified organic vineyards. Producers in the vineyard need to pay close attention as they commit to cultivating their vines without chemicals, herbicides, and insecticides.

Their goal is to achieve a natural balance between the local flora and fauna and the vineyard. To obtain organic champagne certification, the Houses must also meet certain criteria in the cellar. First, all the ingredients used in the winemaking process must be certified organic. The sulfur dioxide content is limited depending on the type of wine and its sugar content. For the champagne, The limit is 150 mg/l, but many organic producers vinify their champagne with much lower levels, or even without sulfur dioxide. The aim of these practices is to preserve the richness and diversity of the region's terroirs by respecting the environment. This also allows for the production of more authentic vintages.

Biodynamics, a true philosophy

Viticulture in biodynamics also extends into Champagne. This cultivation method is even more drastic. The wineries must first be certified organic to be eligible for biodynamic certification. Biodynamics involves a philosophy particular to domaine, which must seek harmony between the vine and the rest of nature. This is possible through manual, non-mechanized work in the vineyard, respecting lunar calendars, and even placing beehives on the property. Treatments are natural and preventative. Our catalog includes Houses of Champagne whose products are certified organic and produced using biodynamic methods.

Our selection of organic and biodynamic champagnes

The Larmandier-Bernier House

There Larmandier-Bernier House product of Organic Champagnes high quality in Côte des Blancs For eight generations. The 18 hectares of vines have been cultivated biodynamically for over 20 years and are 90% planted with Chardonnay. Pierre Larmandier owns plots of vieilles vignes classified Grand Cru And Premier Cru. The splendid Campanian chalk terroir brings a beautiful minerality to the sparkling white wines of domaine. We offer you two remarkable vintages from Maison Larmandier-Bernier. La cuvée Terre de Vertus 2012 is a Champagne Premier Cru Fresh and delicate with aromas of citrus and white fruits. La cuvée of Champagne Premier Cru Extra-brut, LongitudeIt offers a delightful tension and remarkable freshness. This cuvée reflects all the elegance of the House.

Champagne Vincent Couche

There Vincent Couche House produced in Bar Coast Certified biodynamic wines (Demeter) since 2008. Vincent Couche passionately cultivates 3 hectares in the commune of Montgueux and 10 hectares in Buxeuil. The terroir is exceptional, and the high planting density allows for strong competition between the vines, resulting in riper grapes. The range of Vincent Couche House contains about ten different vintages, including one champagne brut, A blanc de blancs, A champagne rosé, organic vintage champagnes as well as la cuvée No sulfur, Chloe.

We have selected three vintages for you. La cuvée Parcel Selection, is a selection of three magnificent plots and produces a champagne Organic, beautifully fresh with floral notes. Eclipsia is a Champagne extra brut Well-structured with plum aromas and fine bubbles. Finally, Chloe East la cuvée confidential of the Vincent Couche House. It's a Champagne organic extra brut from vieilles vignes the best terroirs of domaine. This is a blend from the Buxeuil and Montgueux plots, made without sulfur. This wine offers fine bubbles and delicious aromas of candied fruit and brioche.

Champagne Louis Roederer

There Maison Louis Roederer is one of the last Houses of Champagne to remain family-owned and independent. The 240 hectares of biodynamic vineyards are located in the Grands and Premiers de la Marne, not far from the town of Ambonnay, on the Reims MountainThe Champagnes, carefully produced by the 7th generation of the family, are made from the traditional grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The House's remarkable consistency throughout the centuries has earned it its international renown.

We offer two vintages. The Vintage Rosé 2013 from the House of Louis Roederer, a Champagne rosé Complex with aromas of small red fruits and spicy, smoky notes, this wine boasts fine, consistent bubbles and exquisite freshness. It will perfectly complement shellfish for your festive meals. La cuvée Brut Vintage 2012 is a Champagne A bright, organic wine with citrus aromas and mineral, smoky notes. The finish offers hints of toasted almonds and remarkable length. It would be delicious with dessert, perhaps alongside a Yule log with exotic fruits.

Find our organic champagnes on Cavissima to make your holiday season more sparkling!