Champagne Bertrand & Bernard Doyard
Champagne house in Vindey, Côte des Blancs.
- Village
- Vindey
- Region
- Côte des Blancs
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Cuvées in the guide
- 2
Champagne Bertrand & Bernard Doyard is a family business in Vindey (Coteaux du Sézannais), active as récoltants-manipulants (grower-producers) for three generations, with roots going back to the end of the 16th century. The winery is run by Bertrand and Adeline Doyard and is known for its human scale and traditional approach.
History and Location
The estate is located at 7 Rue de la Tuilerie, 51120 Vindey, on the hills above the village, which provides a panoramic view for a radius of 60 kilometres. The family has had a finger in the pie in Vindey since the late 16th century, a place whose name derives from the Latin Vinum Dei ("Wine of God"). The current generation continues the family tradition with a strong focus on sustainability and the preservation of artisanal craftsmanship.
Vineyards
The estate manages approximately 4.30 to 5 hectares of vineyard, mainly located in Vindey. The vineyards are characterised by:
- A predominance of Chardonnay (approx. 62%), which contributes to the fruity and sunny characteristics of the wines.
- Additional plantings of Pinot Noir (approx. 26%) and Pinot Meunier (approx. 12%).
- A VDC certification (Viticulture Durable en Champagne), with grazed vineyards, soil work and a reduced use of treatments.
Approach
Doyard takes an A-to-Z approach, with full control over the process from vineyard to bottle. Characteristics are:
- Traditional pressing with a historic champagne press on the estate.
- Manual disgorgement (dégorgement à la volée), a rare and traditional technique that is preserved.
- Full autonomy in the cellar, from bottling (tirage) to disgorgement.
- The philosophy "Give back to the earth what it has given us", which reinforces the emphasis on respect for the environment.
Champagnes
The range varies in style and price, with many cuvées under 30 euros. Important cuvées are:
- Blanc de Noirs: Made from black grapes (mainly Pinot Noir), often as Vieilles Vignes (old vines).
- Brut Réserve: A classic brut champagne.
- Rosé: A rosé champagne made by blending.
- Demi-Sec: A sweeter style.
- Ratafia: A local fortified drink made from grape must.
Visitors can visit the estate for tours of the vineyards, the press house and the cellars, followed by a tasting with a view of the vineyards of the Sézannais.
Cuvées by Bertrand & Bernard Doyard
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