CHAMPAGNE ROLAND CHAMPION

The Champion family have been growing grapes in Chouilly since the 18th century and today the estate is run by Francois and two of his daughters, Carole in charge of all the administration, and Clemence is the wine maker. They have 18 hectares, 70% is in Chouilly Grand Cru, with 22% Pinot Meunier and 8% Pinot Noir in the Marne.

Until recently most of their juice has been sold to the big houses but they intend to keep more for sale under their own  label and we were fortunate to knock on their door just at the right time. All their champagnes have extremely low dosage and are fine, minerally and delicate.

Secret D’Aramis comprises 60% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay with a dosage of 4g/L. Eclat de Craie Grand Cru NV is 100% Chouilly Chardonnay with 4g/L and is aged for 4 years on the lees before disgorgement. Grand Eclat Vintage Grand Cru 2015 also comprises 100% Chouilly Chardonnay with just 2g/L and 6 years on lees before disgorgement.

Of particular note is the Rosé Carat Champagne, produced in tiny quantities, about 4,000 bottles a year and not produced every year depending on harvest conditions. The wine is a blend of 90% white wine and 10% reserve red wine. The white wine comprises 1/3 Chardonnay,  1/3 Pinot Meunier, 1/3 Pinot Noir, with the Chardonnay coming from their vines in the Grand Cru village of Chouilly, the Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from their vines in the Marne Valley village of Verneuil. The red wine is added to the blend of which 80% comprises Pinot Noir with the balance being Pinot Meunier, mostly aged in stainless steel tanks but with some of the Pinot Noir aged in 500L Wooden Casks. The base vintage is currently 2016 and is kept on the lees for a minimum of four years, until the Champion family feel that the wine is ready for release. They produce a wine with a pale rose colour which is very refined and elegant.

https://www.champagne-roland-champion.com/