Champagne Chartogne-Taillet: The Authentic Expression of Merfy's Terroir

A Family Legacy Rooted in Tradition

Since the 17th century, the Chartogne-Taillet family has been cultivating vines in Merfy, a village located about 15 kilometers north of Reims. Today, Alexandre Chartogne continues this legacy as the village's only grower-producer, highlighting the uniqueness of each plot to craft champagnes that faithfully reflect their terroir.

A Unique Terroir in the Heart of the Montagne de Reims

The vineyards of Merfy stretch across the southern slopes of the Massif de Saint-Thierry, in the Petite Montagne de Reims. These soils, composed of sands and clays resting on a chalk base, offer geological diversity that translates into cuvées with distinct aromatic profiles. The estate manages 13 different plots, including Les Barres, Beaux Sens, and Le Couarres, each contributing its own expression to the champagne.

Environmentally Conscious Viticulture

Committed to sustainable practices, Chartogne-Taillet has been practicing organic viticulture since 2002, without seeking official certification. The soils are tilled using horses or light tractors to prevent compaction, and animals such as chickens and sheep are integrated into the vineyards to control pests and weeds. This focus on soil and vine health is reflected in the quality of the harvested grapes.

Traditional and Innovative Winemaking Methods

Vinification at Chartogne-Taillet is conducted with deep respect for the grape and its origin. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, and each plot is vinified separately to preserve its identity. Alexandre employs a variety of vessels for fermentation and aging, including oak barrels of different sizes, amphorae, and concrete eggs, promoting controlled micro-oxygenation and a pure expression of the terroir.

Signature Cuvées Showcasing the Terroir

Among the estate's flagship cuvées, the Cuvée Sainte Anne is a blend representative of Merfy's various terroirs, offering a harmonious balance between freshness and complexity. The single-vineyard cuvées, such as Les Barres, crafted from ungrafted Pinot Meunier planted in 1952, and Heurtebise, made from Chardonnay, highlight the unique expressions of these specific terroirs. These champagnes, produced in small quantities, have gained a strong following among enthusiasts seeking wines with a sense of place.

Growing Recognition on the International Scene

Though still relatively confidential, Champagne Chartogne-Taillet has been gaining recognition among top sommeliers and wine lovers worldwide. Its inclusion in some of the finest restaurants and wine cellars reflects its status as a true artisan grower-producer, dedicated to authenticity and terroir expression. With each bottle, Alexandre Chartogne continues to push the boundaries of what grower champagne can achieve, ensuring that Merfy's voice is heard in the world of fine wine.