Champagne Vincent Bliard
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.
The Wines
Eternel Optimiste or Eternal optimist will resume the life long mentality of Papy Jean. Saying he has always been too optimist to farm organically in a region that is only starting to warm up on this farming method, 60 years after he started… This is the only Blanc de Blancs of the Domaine, purity and beauty. Sadly far too limited in quantities, to be snapped up before its too late.
Sempiternel is the rarest expression of Champagne Vincent Bliard, destined for the connoisseurs of mature Champagnes, made from a collection of wines from different harvests and blends, kept for many years in their cellars. When one of these wines reaches its peak, they chose to add it to their selection, until the stock is exhausted. A wine of distinct character that will never be repeated, as the ethos has intended. The current release is from 2006 base and quite probably the most sophisticated Champagne on the market. Hurry while stock last!
Champagne Vincent Bliard is one of only 3 families cultivating organically since the mid 60s. Les Fondamentaux, translating as fundamentals, is the original blend in their range. This particular cuvee is always a blend of the three major Champagne grapes and the composition depends on the identity of the base vintage. With coopers as ancestors, naturally all their Champagnes are spending 1 year in barrels. As for the blend of vintages, it can either be an undeclared vintage or a blend of two vintages at 95% and 5% each and low dosage. They also leave time to mature in the cellars on the lees.
Eternel Optimiste or Eternal optimist will resume the life long mentality of Papy Jean. Saying he has always been too optimist to farm organically in a region that is only starting to warm up on this farming method, 60 years after he started… This is the only Blanc de Blancs of the Domaine, purity and beauty. Sadly far too limited in quantities, to be snapped up before its too late.
Champagne Vincent Bliard is one of only 3 families cultivating organically since the mid 60s. Les Fondamentaux, translating as fundamentals, is the original blend in their range. This particular cuvee is always a blend of the three major Champagne grapes and the composition depends on the identity of the base vintage. With coopers as ancestors, naturally all their Champagnes are spending 1 year in barrel.
Sylve is the ring of a full growing season that is left on the trunk of a tree. An ode to the family ancestors, highlighting the oak ageing all the wines undergoes at Champagne Vincent Bliard. We're quite taken how pretty and bold this wine is really! Refined bubbles, elegant and creamy mousse and burst of freshness and red berries. This sparkling wine punches well above its weight. A must try.
Sempiternel is the rarest expression of Champagne Vincent Bliard, destined for the connoisseurs of mature Champagnes, made from a collection of wines from different harvests and blends, kept for many years in their cellars. When one of these wines reaches its peak, they chose to add it to their selection, until the stock is exhausted.