Champagne Delhomme

Champagne house in Crézancy, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Crézancy

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Type of house

RM · Récoltant Manipulant

Cuvées in the guide

6

Champagne Delhomme is a unique producer house in Crézancy (Aisne department), where the champagnes are produced entirely by students of the Agro-Viticultural Lycée of Crézancy. The house was founded on the basis of a bequest from 1889 by Pierre-Alexandre Delhomme, who left his land and buildings to his wife with the wish that the estate serve as an educational centre for agriculture and winegrowing. Today it is one of the largest school farms in France, where more than 300 students and pupils are trained each year.

Vineyards and Terroir

• The estate has 3.37 hectares of vineyard located on the chalky and clayey hills of the Marne valley.
• Three grape varieties are used: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• About a third of the area is certified organic, with the rest subject to integrated pest management.
• The estate produces approximately 20,000 bottles a year.

Approach and Production

• Production is entirely traditional: from the hand harvest by 200 students to vinification and ageing.
• A Coquard press (horizontal press) is used for gentle pressing and optimal aromatic balance.
• The bottles are riddled by hand on pupitres (remuage).
• The champagnes age between 2 and 11 years in the cellars.
• Experiments are made with single-variety wines and ageing in oak barrels, such as an exclusive Blanc de Blancs (9 months in barrels) and a 100% Pinot Noir (12 months in barrels).

Champagnes and Range

• Champagne Tradition: Dominated by Pinot Meunier, fruity, fresh and lively.
• Blanc de Blancs: Made from Chardonnay, known for its elegance.
• Demi-Sec: Sweeter style for desserts.
• Rosé: Rosé champagne with character.
• Bio: A 100% Pinot Meunier organic cuvée, aged in oak barrels with aromas of vanilla and cocoa.
• Euphrasie Millésime 2014: A vintage cuvée.
• Ratafia Champenois: A local liqueur made from unfermented must and Marc de Champagne.

Cuvées by Delhomme

All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses