Champagne Benoît Cocteaux
Champagne house in Montgenost, Côte des Blancs.
- Village
- Montgenost
- Region
- Côte des Blancs
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Founded
- 1650
- Cuvées in the guide
- 13
Champagne Benoît Cocteaux is a Récoltant-Manipulant (independent winegrower) based in Montgenost, on the edge of the Marne. The house is run by Hélène and Benoît Cocteaux, who have had their own brand since 2003, although the family have been winegrowers since 1650. Benoît took over the family business in 1998 after his training at the viticulture school in Avize.
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate manages an area of more than 200 kilometres of plots, spread over various sub-regions of Champagne:
- Coteaux du Sézannais: The headquarters in Montgenost.
- Côte des Blancs: Plots in Cramant and Chouilly.
- Vallée de la Marne: Plots in Cerseuil.
- Côte des Bars: Plots in Verpillières-sur-Ource.
The grape varieties are Chardonnay (dominant), Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The vineyards have an average age of about 50 years and a planting density of 7,575 vines per hectare. The terroir is rich in chalk and clay, which contributes to the freshness and elegance of the wines.
Approach
Benoît and Hélène Cocteaux take an integral approach in which all stages of wine production take place locally and under their own management, without outsourcing to third parties.
- Harvest: The plots are harvested and fermented separately to preserve the specific characteristics of each terroir.
- Sustainability: The estate is HVE-certified (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and has been fully organic since 2025.
- Vinification: Modern technology is used, including an oak barrel (foudre) made from a wood plot of their own in Montgenost and clay jars (jarres) to enhance the mineral expression of the Chardonnay.
- Ageing: The champagnes undergo ageing of at least 2 to 3 years in the cellars.
Champagnes and Recognition
The house style is known for its sunshine, fruitiness and roundness, with a strong emphasis on Chardonnay. Well-known cuvées are:
- Or Blanc: An iconic Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay), awarded 1 star in the Guide Hachette and high scores at Gault & Millau.
- Opus Varius: A series of terroir expressions, including Terre Profonde (Chardonnay) and Les Meuniers de mon Grand-Père (Pinot Meunier).
- La Grande Colette: A Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Chouilly, awarded 92/100 points.
- Eternelle Création: An Extra Brut made using the Solera technique.
The champagne house has won several gold medals at prestigious competitions, such as the Concours Général Agricole de Paris and the Concours des Vignerons Indépendants. Visitors can visit the estate for tours and tastings, with opening hours on weekdays of 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, and on Saturdays of 10:00-12:00.
Cuvées by Benoît Cocteaux
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Benoît Cocteaux: Vente directe Vigneron Indépendant.
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses