Champagne Cl. de la Chapelle
Champagne house in Ville-Dommange, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Ville-Dommange (Premier Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Type of house
- CM · Coopérative de Manipulation
- Cuvées in the guide
- 11
Champagne Cl. de la Chapelle is a Premier Cru producer located in Ville-Dommange within the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, France. The house operates as a cooperative of winegrowers founded in 1948 by five founding families, with current production managed by their fourth and fifth-generation descendants.
History and Structure
The champagne house was founded after the Second World War to give new life to the terroir of Ville-Dommange, a village with Premier Cru status on the western side of the Côte des Blancs/Montagne de Reims transition. Production is entirely in the hands of récoltants (planteurs-récoltants), meaning that the winegrowers use their own grapes and make no external purchases. The cooperation remains rooted in the tradition of the original five families.
Vineyards and Terroir
The cooperative manages a total of 25 to 50 hectares of vineyards (sources vary in specification of own area vs. total cooperative area) in a strategic location protected by the regional nature park. The terroir is characterised by a unique combination of:
- Climate: A mixture of oceanic and semi-continental influences.
- Soil type: Predominantly chalky marl and clay-limestone soils, which ensure constant natural irrigation.
- Relief: Slopes that guarantee optimal sun exposure and drainage.
The vineyards are planted with the three classic Champagne grape varieties:
- Pinot Meunier: The dominant variety in Ville-Dommange, responsible for suppleness and roundness.
- Pinot Noir: Adds body, power and aromas of red fruit.
- Chardonnay: Grown only on specific plots and provides delicacy, floral notes and citrus/mineral accents.
Approach
Viticulture is practised traditionally and with respect for the environment (reasoned viticulture). Vinification follows the traditional Champagne method:
- Grapes are fermented in thermostatically controlled stainless steel tanks.
- Ageing takes place in the bottle (sur lattes), but ageing on the lees can also take place in tanks (cuves) and foudres.
- The product is an AOC Champagne with an estimated annual production of 250,000 bottles.
Champagnes and Cuvées
The cellar offers a varied range, with a focus on Brut and Extra-Brut dosage levels. Some well-known cuvées are:
- Audace: Brut.
- Pur: Extra-Brut.
- Nuance: Brut Rosé.
- Exquis: Brut.
- Eclat: Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay), Extra-Brut.
- Millésime: Vintage champagnes (e.g. 2012, 2014).
The house is known for its hospitality; the cellar is open all year round for visits and tastings, and offers online orders with free shipping for orders above 36 bottles within France.
Cuvées by Cl. de la Chapelle
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Cl. de la Chapelle: Vinify.
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