LA PARCELLE
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Young savages? Garage winery? Natural Champagne? Shooting stars? Insider tip?
All of these apply to the project of the winemaking couple Julien Bournazel and Stephanie Chevreux - and then some.
Because they have plenty of experience in viticulture. For 17 years, they and their team have been advising Champagne wineries and winegrowing schools and working their vineyards, preferably and predominantly according to organic farming methods.
In 2012 and 2015, they were given the opportunity to acquire two vineyards in Barzy-sur-Marne and Connigis, and since then they have been making their own, incredibly exciting and characterful champagnes in very small quantities.
A total production of around 3000 bottles (approx. 10 pièce barrels), a total area of just 70 x 100 metres, planted exclusively with Pinot Meunier, all cultivated biodynamically - that is "La Parcelle".
They experiment with permaculture, keep goats in the vineyard (the "La Capella" is even named after them), minimise the use of sulphur and bring in concentrated knowledge from the past two decades.
The resulting champagnes are of untamed power and intensity, with an enormous draught, taut and demanding, with rough edges but also open and life-affirming, drinkable and extremely appetising. Nature at it's best.
Here is a nice report by Peter Crawford.
PS: If you would like to spend a holiday in the area: Stéphanie and Julien rent out a wonderfully romantic wooden holiday cottage with all (organic) comforts and even a small lake on a wooded property. And for breakfast on the large terrace, you can certainly order a bottle of their champagne as well ;-)
Facts: R.M., Connigis, Grande Vallée de la Marne (Aisne), production under construction