AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR

The vineyards here are classified as Grand Cru and are recognised as some of the most prestigious in the whole of the Champagne region. As long ago as 344 A.D. the Gallo-Romans knew about Aÿ and its wines and in XIV century king Henri IV of France proclaimed himself ‘ Lord of d’Aÿ and of Gonesse ‘ and the wines from Aÿ were considered to be some of the finest in France.

60% of  our vineyards are planted with Pinot Noir, the remainder being planted with Chardonnay. They cover 8 hectares (20 acres) spread across 5 different villages one of which, is a Grand Cru, 3 Premier Cru: Mutigny, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Avenay, plus Barbonne-Fayel. Since we own the entire estate we can  control every step of the wine-making from planting the vines to the harvest and we can guarantee exactly where each of our wines comes from.

At every stage of our work we pay particular attention to the well-being of the vines, to the soil and to biodiversity by minimising any impact our work may have on the environment.

Our objective is to create outstanding wines that reflect the place they come from.

To this end we plough the soil under the vines which encourages the roots of the vine to go deeper underground and also promotes microbial life in the soil. Soil samples are frequently sent for laboratory analysis so that we can understand and provide whatever the soil needs to thrive. We have abolished the use of chemical fertilisers and insecticides. Instead of using herbicides we actually promote the growth of grass between the rows of vines and treatments against diseases are reduced to a strict minimum. We are in the process of obtaining the High Environmental Value certification as well as converting a part of our vineyard to organic cultivation.