Champagne Cuperly
Champagne house in Verzy, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Verzy (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Founded
- 1845
- Cuvées in the guide
- 7
Champagne Cuperly is an independent family-owned house since 1845, founded by Charles Cuperly in Mourmelon-le-Petit and later based in Verzy (Montagne de Reims). The house is now run by the eighth generation and produces approximately 300,000 bottles of Grand Cru champagne a year.
History and Ownership
The business began as a drinks merchant and was converted into a champagne house in Verzy in 1919 by Robert Cuperly and Hermance Lecompère. The family retained control through several generations, including Jean Cuperly (known for helping Allied soldiers) and Gérard Cuperly, who in the 1960s expanded the vineyard area and introduced prestigious cuvées. Since 2013 Sophie Cuperly has been president, with Jean Morel as Managing Director and Jean Cuperly (eighth generation) active in production and sales.
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate has 10 hectares of its own vineyards, located in the Grand Cru communes of Verzy, Verzenay and Mailly-Champagne on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. The vineyards are mainly planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In addition to its own grapes, the house uses fruit from contract growers and family purchases, with all grapes harvested by hand.
Approach and Vinification
Cuperly combines traditional methods with modern precision. Important features of production are:
- Oak barrels: Traditional 220-litre oak barrels are used for ageing and reserve cuvées, alongside modern containers.
- No malolactic fermentation: The house style includes excluding malolactic fermentation to preserve the freshness and acidity of the champagnes.
- Filtering and cooling: To prevent unwanted secondary fermentation, the wine is filtered and cooled.
- Sustainability: The house follows a sustainable, "raisonnée" approach and also produces an organic variant ("Grande Réserve Carte Verte").
Champagnes and Cuvées
Production consists of Grand Cru champagnes, with a strong focus on Pinot Noir-dominant blends and exclusive varieties. Some emblematic cuvées are:
- Cuvée Grande Réserve Brut: A basic blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
- Cuvée Prestige Blanc de Noirs: A 100% Pinot Noir champagne, one of the house's best-known cuvées.
- Cuvée Prestige Blanc de Blancs: A 100% Chardonnay champagne, aged in oak barrels.
- Rosé: Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, supplemented with red Pinot Noir wine.
- Cuvées and Dosages: The house produces champagnes with varying dosages, from 8 grams of sugar per litre (e.g. Grand Cru Brut) to 35 grams (Demi-Sec), with the Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs often around 10 grams.
Cuvées by Cuperly
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