Champagne Henri Chauvet
Founded by Henri Chauvet in 1890, this family owned estate comprises 8.2 hectares in the village of Rilly-la-Montagne, near Reims, one of the grand cru (100% rated) villages for Pinot Noir. The vineyards and cellars are now run by third generation Chauvets, Mathilde and Damien, who have supplied us with our go-to Champagne since our very first list, and they have recently been joined by their daughter, Anna, who represents the fourth generation.
In recognition of the family’s values surrounding sustainability and their commitment to protecting the environment, the vineyards are registered as HVE3 (haut valeur environnementale). They are planted with the traditional Champagne varieties: 60% Pinot Noir for its structure and broad fruit, 30% Chardonnay to add finesse, and 10% Meunier for its roundness in the blend. The family works with a team of around 20 harvesters annually to ensure only the highest quality fruit reaches their cellars.
Vinification
Champagne Chauvet’s traditional chalk cellars, constructed in 1892, are situated 11 metres below ground, allowing for perfect maturation conditions at a constant temperature of 10˚C. Here the wines are aged for a minimum of three years before being moved to the pupitres where they are still turned by hand in the traditional manner before being disgorged, corked and prepared for sale.
Wines
• Their Brut Blanc de Noirs from their 100% rated Pinot Noir grapes, with the addition of a small amount of Pinot Meunier, enjoys extended time on the lees so it is soft, supple, rich and biscuity by the time we get it; truly exceptional.
• If you prefer a very dry style, their ever popular Brut Nature – a blanc de noirs as for their Brut NV – has no dosage at all (with zero sugar added during the disgorgement). This pure, dry style is the perfect foil for a plate of oysters or seafood.
• Principally made from red grapes but with a percentage of Chardonnay too, the Brut Réserve spends additional time in bottle prior to release, giving it a mellower, creamy palate, more mature and spectacularly delicious – and just a bit more serious. Even more serious when it comes in magnum format.
• The Rosé Champagne – Cuvée Aphrodite – is made by the saignée method, where the juice stays in contact with the skins for only enough time to take on a bit of colour and some all-important flavours. A lovely deep pink, with a gorgeously scented nose of strawberries and a light herby touch, this is fresh and intense and really tastes of red fruits.
Visiting the Cellars: The Chauvet family welcome visitors to their cellars in Rilly-la-Montagne by appointment so please let us know if you plan to be in the area. We can highly recommend making time for lunch at La Table du Petit Bonhomme too.
Click here for current availability or call us on 01353 721 999. For marketing queries, please contact Laura Taylor at laura@privatecellar.co.uk
