Champagne Denis Salomon

Champagne house in Vandières, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Vandières

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Cuvées in the guide

11

Champagne​‌​ Denis Salomon is an independent family business in Vandières (Marne Valley), founded in 1974 by Denis and Odile Salomon, with roots going back to 1875. The current owner and chef de cave is Nicolas Salomon, who took over the business in 2004 and put the focus on precision and expression of terroir. The estate is certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and is currently in organic conversion (since August 2020).

History and Ownership

• Foundation: The Salomon family has been established in Vandières for 150 years; Albert Salomon settled there in 1875 and later became mayor.
• Independence: The family left the cooperative in 1984 and obtained the Vigneron Indépendant label in 1996.
• Current leadership: Nicolas Salomon modernised the cellar and vineyard in 2004, with attention to individual plots and environmental awareness.

Vineyards and Terroir

• Area: The estate manages roughly 4.8 to 5.5 hectares of vineyard.
• Location: The plots are spread over six villages in the Marne Valley: Vandières, Venteuil, Reuil, Damery, Festigny and Dormans.
• Diversity: The soils vary between chalk, clay, sand and silt, depending on position and slope, which contributes to the complexity of the wines.
• Grape varieties: The vineyard area consists of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, with Meunier often dominant in the Marne Valley.

Winemaking

• Vinification: Vinification is done plot by plot to preserve the unique characteristics of each cru.
• Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels (from Tonnellerie de Champagne).
• Malolactic fermentation: Since 2012, Nicolas deliberately blocks malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness, tension and natural vitality.
• Filtration: The wines are neither filtered nor fined and are preferably moved by gravity.
• Dosage: The champagnes have a low dosage (often Brut Nature or Extra Brut) so as not to mask the identity of the terroir.
• Reserves: A solera system (since 2005) is used to give the reserve wines complexity.

Champagnes and Production

• Production: The estate produces about 40,000 bottles a year (some sources mention 27,000).
• Iconic Cuvées: Well-known wines are "L'Élémentaire", "Le Fût de Chêne", "Vitalie" (a limited edition in honour of Nicolas' daughter), and "L'Inédite".
• Style: The champagnes are known for their fresh, tight and pure character, with a strong emphasis on expression of terroir and suitability for gastronomy.
• Visits: The estate offers visits and tastings by appointment (5, rue Principale, 51700 Vandières).

Cuvées by Denis Salomon

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