Champagne Flavien Nowack

Vandières, Vallée De La Marne

Grower champagnes have now been around for around two decades and are still evolving as younger generations continue to improve/refine techniques and further explore their unique terroir constantly redefining this category. Champagne Nowack is another grower in this cutting-edge group, with a rich family history as growers, it was in 2011, when Flavien returned to the family estate, that the focus shifted to crafting singular, quality wines showcasing the grape and terroir.

Located in Vandières in the Vallée de la Marne, Flavien Nowack manages 7ha of vineyards mostly within the commune, growing primarily Pinot Meunier (75%) with Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. Believing that nothing should come between the expression of terroir, he has an understanding that soils are alive and change with the seasons. The focus has always been ‘to restore the relationship between the plant, the animal and the rock to translate the energy of the soil into the fruit’. Farming is done organically with some biodynamic practices employed, trees are present and animals reside in the vineyards.

In the cellar, ferments with natural yeast using both tank and older oak are preferred, with no chaptalization, and very minimal sulphur use (zero in some cuvées). Often unfermented grape must be used to start the secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in softer bubbles and enhancing vinosity. Cuvée offerings are primarily single vintage, single parcel, and single grape allowing Flavien to highlight the best of each terroir through his wines truly.