VILMART
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Vilmart was founded in 1890 by Désiré Vilmart and is now managed in the fifth generation by Laurent Champs, who has been actively supported by his daughter Morgane for several years. The estate is located in Rilly-la-Montagne at the foot of the Montagne de Reims and has remained an independent family business ever since - despite all the setbacks such as the extensive destruction in World War II.
Only grapes from our own vineyards are processed, which currently cover around 11 hectares and are all classified as Premier Cru. The range of varieties produced by Vilmart, with its approx. 60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir, is very unusual for the region, which otherwise produces the vast majority of Pinot Noir and Meunier. The average age of the vines is around 35 years, the oldest, over 60 years old, are reserved for the production of the top bottling Coeur de Cuvée and the Blanc de Blancs - Champagne.
Laurent Champs attaches great importance to the sustainable cultivation of the vineyards and biodiversity; no chemical fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides are used. After hand-picking, all grapes are carefully pressed in their enmationtirety; the alcoholic fermentation of all base wines takes place in wooden barrels of various sizes. The aim of this measure is to work out body, roundness and balance. However, malolactic fermentation - also known as malolactic fermentation (BSA) - does not take place. This fact is owed to the philosophy of the house, in return to emphasize the freshness and delicacy of the aromas that characterize all champagnes from Vilmart. After ten months of aging in wood, the yeast storage in the in-house cellars extends for at least three to four years for the vintage champagnes and six to eight years for the vintage champagnes.
The result is champagne with a very unique signature: They are all full and characterized by the development in the wood, but without this ever appearing overdone and on the other hand show great delicacy and harmony.
Facts: R.M., Rilly-la-Montagne, Montagne de Reims, 11 ha., 100,000 bottles / year