The new generation, Florence and Antoine, are moving the family Domaine into a modern era. The history of their Domaine is incredible. When looking for organic Champagnes little did I know at the time that I would be importing one of the pioneers in the whole region in such a historical village!

«Papy Jean» (now 92 years old, still tending his vines EVERY day) was amongst the first 6 families in the late 1960s to convert (although “maintain” is more appropriate) his vineyards to organic farming. “I have always been too optimistic to quit, I think I inherited this from my mum”.

Their ancestors were coopers, naturally the family carry on with barrel ageing. Vincent and Marie Odile followed Jean and Helene. Deeply rooted in tradition the new generation, Florence and Antoine have taken over in 2018 with a modern approach and the same enthusiasm.

Hautvillers is renown as the birthplace of Champagne, thanks to a monk called Dom Perignon residing in the village Abbey few centuries ago. Yet very little is known about its terroir. The premier cru village forms a natural vine amphitheatre offering an incredible view over the region, it is composed of a variety of soils. On the slopes, you’ll mostly find clay, on the forest fringe Chalk is dominant and on the flattened hillside battered by the winds it is where you’ll find more limestone.

In the cellars: a mixture of old foudres and barrels, some from Meursault others made from Hautvillers’ oak trees. Vinification is respectful of the grapes with no intrant and natural yeasts. So2 only just after pressing. Slow and long maturation for up to a year in wood, no cold settlement.

The range is an ode to the generations that succeeded and their natural convictions.