Champagne Christophe Lefèvre

Champagne house in Bonneil, Vallée de la Marne.

Village: Bonneil
Region: Vallée de la Marne
Type of house: RM · Récoltant Manipulant
Founded: 1988
Cuvées in the guide: 6

Christophe‌ Lefèvre is a pioneer in organic champagne production, based in Bonneil in the Marne valley, near Château-Thierry. The house was founded in the 1980s by Christophe Lefèvre, who converted the family farm into an organic wine estate. He was awarded the Golden Secateurs (Sécateur d’Or) in 1996 and 1998 for his craftsmanship. Today the estate is run with the help of his son, continuing the founder's organic philosophy.

The vineyard area covers 4.3 hectares, located on the slopes of Mont-de-Bonneil with a southern exposure and a 100-metre difference in height. The soil is diverse, ranging from sandy loam at the foot to chalky and clay-limestone soils at the top. The grape varieties are 75% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, planted at a density of 8,000 vines per hectare. Yields are deliberately kept low through Cordon de Royat and Chablis pruning to maximise the ripeness and concentration of the grapes.

The approach is strictly organic (certified by ECOCERT) and artisanal. Christophe Lefèvre uses a traditional Coquard press, lets the must ferment with indigenous yeasts without chaptalisation and applies no filtration or cold stabilisation. The wines are racked during the waning moon to preserve their natural character. The total sulphite content remains extremely low, less than 30 mg/l, and the champagnes age for at least 3 years before coming to market.

The range includes various cuvées that reflect the house's fresh, fruity and terroir-expressive style. Well-known variants are the Cuvée Prestige, the Rosé de Saignée and the Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Alexandrine (e.g. millésime 2014). The champagnes are known for their fineness, balance and authentic aromas, created by the interplay of powerful wines from the lower slopes and fresh wines from the upper slopes. The estate is known for its commitment to the environment and health, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers.

Cuvées by Christophe Lefèvre

Christophe Lefèvre Alexandrine

Blanc de Blancs · Extra Brut · 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay from 60-year-old vines.

Christophe Lefèvre Ancestrale 2013

Blanc de Noirs · 2013 · 100% Pinot Noir

Oak-aged Pinot Noir with subtle woody notes.

Christophe Lefèvre Lingot

Blanc de Blancs · 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay fermented in amphora.

Christophe Lefèvre Prestige

Blend · Extra Brut · 60% old-vine Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay

Balanced organic blend with minerality and finesse.

Christophe Lefèvre Rosé de Saignée

Rosé · Brut · Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir from the single parcel Les vignes aux bêtes with 36 hours of maceration.

Christophe Lefèvre Réserve

Blend · Brut · 80% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir

Organic blend with roundness and fruity notes.

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