Champagne Bernard Lonclas

Champagne house in Bassuet, Côte des Blancs.

Village

Bassuet

Region

Côte des Blancs

Founded

1976

Cuvées in the guide

8

Champagne​‌​ Bernard Lonclas is a family business in Bassuet, founded in 1976 by Bernard Lonclas, who was succeeded in 2006 by his daughter Aurélie. The house is known for its courageous and independent course, far from classic conventions, with a focus on refined and elegant champagnes.

History and Development

• Founding: Bernard Lonclas bought his first plot of Chardonnay in Bassuet in 1974 and started production in 1976, first in a barn of the cooperative.
• Growth: He expanded his activity to his own cellar in 1978 and launched his first vintage Blanc de Blancs in 1980.
• Expansion: In the 1980s he built out infrastructure, including a pressing service for other winegrowers, and reached three presses in 1998.
• Current situation: The business now produces more than 200,000 bottles per year and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Vineyards and Terroir

• Location: The vineyards are in Bassuet, a village in the heart of the Côteaux Vitryats, 34 km from Châlons-en-Champagne.
• Terroir: The chalky terroir is particularly favourable for Chardonnay, which delivers aromatic richness (exotic fruit, citrus, white flowers).
• Area: The estate covers approximately 8 to 11 hectares spread over 11 crus.
• Grape varieties: The vines consist of 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier and 5% Pinot Noir.
• Sustainability: The house applies sustainable viticulture practices to preserve the living heritage.

Approach and Vinification

• Tradition & Modernity: Traditional know-how is combined with high-tech equipment, including temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation.
• Pressing: The grapes are pressed with care, Bernard Lonclas having invested early in advanced presses.
• Selection: A strict selection of grapes is made during the harvest, and the wines are carefully blended every year by Aurélie Lonclas.
• Ageing: The wines age in the cellars until they reach full maturity.

Champagnes and Product Range

• Speciality: The house is best known for its Blanc de Blancs champagnes, which have outstanding aromatic qualities.
• Popular wines:
• Blanc de Blancs Grand Brut: A classic, refined wine.
• Millésime (Vintage): For example the vintages 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
• Rosé Brut: A rosé champagne launched in the 1980s.
• Ratafia Champenois: A traditional drink made from unpressed grape must and Marc de Champagne.
• Recognition: The Grand Brut is served at the Élysée as house champagne.
• Visit: The house offers cellar visits and tastings, in which the production cycle is explained and three champagnes can be tasted.

Cuvées by Bernard Lonclas

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