Champagne Vilmart

Rilly-La-Montagne, Montagne De Reims

Champagne Vilmart & Cie is definitely one of the top grower Champagne houses on any list, it was originally founded in 1890 and still remains in the family. Since 1989, 5th generation Laurent Champs currently leads this great estate in the village of Rilly-la-Montagne. His daughter Morgane joins the house and continues its legacy. An area generally known to grow more Pinot Noir, Laurent works with a high proportion of Chardonnay (60%). The estates 11ha of 1er Cru vineyards are larger parcels, spans to the neighbouring village still within 800 meters. Vineyards are managed with sustainable methods and the house is certified Haute Valeur Environnmentale (HVE), Viticulture Durable, and abide by the principles of the Ampelos Charter. Chemical use has been eliminated for over 30 years, all to keep soils healthy and protect the biodiversity and its ecosystem. Much detail is also put in the cellar where the juice flows by gravity, a traditional Coquard press used, and oak barrels of many sizes (5500L, 600L, 228L) for a long, slow fermentation, with malolactic ferments generally avoided. To quote Laurent “I make wine first, and the bubbles afterwards” and many would agree that the wines in the Vilmart lineup are definitely vinous with extraordinary class, finesse, & elegance!