Husband and wife team of Richard Desvignes & Géraldine Lacourte craft pure, terroir-driven champagnes that express deep respect for their rich history and land in the 1er cru village of Écueil (Montagne de Reims). Over 11th generations, the family had started as growers with the goal of eventually vinifying and bottling their own champagne. There was always an understanding that the best champagnes were crafted through the work in the vineyard. Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon now has 8.3ha planted primarily in Écueil, with Pinot Noir the majority of plantings. Certified organic and using biodynamic principles, vineyard soils are sandy over deep chalk and vines average 30 years of age. The viticulture team works tirelessly (with the help of some sheep and horses) to maintain the soil's biodiversity, which makes use of chemicals unnecessary. The goal for each wine is to express its terroir and work in the winery is sensitive to this. Juice and musts are gravity-fed to avoid any pumping, each parcel is vinified separately, and even the wood for most of the barrels used are sourced locally. Champagnes rest for a minimum 30 months on lees under cork prior to hand disgorgement and the dosage kept within Extra Brut parameters. The results are some amazing plot specific champagnes that are vinous, deep, layered, and truly reflect a sense of place.