Champagne Charles Orban

Champagne house in Troissy, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Troissy

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Type of house

RM · Récoltant Manipulant

Founded

1770

Cuvées in the guide

6

Champagne​‌​ Charles Orban is a family champagne house based in Troissy, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, whose roots go back to 1770. The current entity, registered as a Société à responsabilité limitée, dates from 1991, but the house is currently run by the Rapeneau family (part of the G.H. Martel group), who took over the estate at the end of the 20th century from the original founder, Charles Orban.

History and Ownership

• The Orban family had been growing grapes in Troissy since 1770, but Charles Orban left the local cooperative in the 1950s to launch his own brand.
• Around 1960 Charles built a press house and fermentation room to be fully independent and to create his own house style.
• In the 1990s the estate passed to the Rapeneau family, who continue the tradition with a focus on sustainable viticulture and international expansion.

Vineyards and Terroir

• The vineyards cover an area of between 9 and 331 hectares (depending on the source and whether this refers to the whole village or only the estate; the estate itself often has 14-25 hectares).
• The terroir, on the left bank of the Marne, is rich in chalk and is known for its dominant Pinot Meunier (up to 86% of plantings).
• The remaining grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which provide a versatile basis for the blends.
• The vines are grown according to the principles of raisonnée (balanced) viticulture, with hand harvesting.

Approach and Production

• Charles Orban is known as a récoltant-manipulant (a producer who grows the grapes and makes the champagne himself).
• Vinification follows the traditional method (méthode champenoise), with ageing on the lees in the cellars.
• The house combines traditional craftsmanship with modern, environmentally friendly practices and innovation.
• Production has risen over the years from 800 to 200,000 bottles a year.

Champagnes and Cuvées

The range includes several lines that reflect the terroir of the Marne valley:

• Carte Noire: A blend of mainly Pinots (Noir and Meunier) and Chardonnay, known for citrus and caramel notes.
• Blanc de Noirs: Made from 60% Pinot Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir, with aromas of red berries and cinnamon.
• Blanc de Blancs: Mainly from Chardonnay, often with nutty and floral accents.
• Rosé: A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and red wine, with notes of peach and rose.
• Cuvée Spéciale: A premium cuvée that often has a high percentage of Chardonnay for freshness and finesse.

Visitors can visit the estate for cellar visits and tastings, open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Cuvées by Charles Orban

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