Champagne Guy Charlemagne

Champagne Guy Charlemagne is situated in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, in the small village of Mesnil sur Oger. As father to son winegrowers since 1892, Philippe Charlemagne only harvests and vinifies grapes from his own vineyards.

Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, where the Charlemagne house owns its terroirs, are two of the prestigious ‘Grand Crus’ of the Champagne vineyards and, where by practicing culture raisonée and adding very little dosage, Philippe is able to express the quality of his world-class terroir.

The harvests are fully by hand and often takes place in the month of September. Picked ripe, blonde and golden grains, Chardonnays give this famous Champagne its finesse and delicacy. Freshly cut, the grapes are gently pressed in one of our two traditional presses 4,000 kg each.

This is followed by slow fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where the harvest will gradually turn into wine. Philippe Charlemagne takes great pleasure in making his wine fermentations “Mesnillésime” in oak barrels of 225 liters, where the wine will develop new flavors. Following these fermentations is assembly. They combine wines with different aromatic qualities that are unique to each assembly. This approach is looking for a special harmony that will provide exceptional vintages including Charlemagne House holds the secret.

Shared by Ken Davey

www.smartergrowerchampagne.com