Terroirs d'Ecueil, Premier Cru Extra Brut

An Extra Brut built on clarity rather than richness. Fragrant and refined, a touch shy at first, then charming and juicy. Power and minerality stay in balance, the craftsmanship precise and well-judged.

Écueil lies at the heart of the Petite Montagne de Reims, framed by limestone slopes and a small forest that shelters the microclimate; the slopes mostly face south. The estate's 8.5 hectares of Premier Cru are spread across Écueil and Les Mesneux. The vines grow on sandy and light clay soils; in the finest sites, Chaillots, Monts Âme and Migerats, they are 40 to 70 years old.

85 percent Pinot Noir and 15 percent Chardonnay, an unusual balance for Champagne. The cuvée blends 14 base wines from three vintages: 75 percent from 2022, 25 percent reserve wines from the two preceding years. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, aged in steel tanks and in oak barrels made from wood from the Écueil forest. Disgorged on 5.5.2025 with a 2.5 g/l dosage.

A fine mousse carries red apple skins, citrus zest and blossoms, with almonds, nuts and a touch of nougat beneath. The Champagne has drive, juiciness and spice, the acidity stays fine, the finish mineral.

Oysters, seared scallops and scallop sashimi. As an apéritif, air-dried ham and roasted almonds.

Géraldine and Richard left their careers in Paris in 2006 and took over the vines in 2008, the ninth generation to do so. The switch to organic farming began immediately: no pesticides, no herbicides, preparations made from nettle, horsetail and valerian. The oaks used for the barrels grow just a few hundred metres from the vineyards.