Champagne Didier Herbert

Champagne house in Rilly-la-Montagne, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Rilly-la-Montagne (Premier Cru)
Region: Montagne de Reims
Type of house: RM · Récoltant Manipulant
Founded: 1920
Cuvées in the guide: 5

Champagne‌ Didier Herbert is a family business located at 32 Rue de Reims in Rilly-la-Montagne, near Reims, specialising in high-quality champagnes from the Montagne de Reims.

History The Herbert-Pechon family has been active in Rilly-la-Montagne since 1920. Fernand Herbert, who was chairman of the local cooperative from 1973 to 1987, harvested the first vintage in 1959 and vinified for almost twenty years. In 1982 his son Didier Herbert took over the business and doubled sales volume by focusing on quality. Since 2023 the estate has been managed by the third generation, Thomas Herbert and his partner Marie-Charlotte.

Vineyards and Terroir The estate has 6 hectares of vineyard, spread over 30 plots in five villages classified as Premier Cru and Grand Cru. The grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The plots are located in the villages:

Rilly-la-Montagne (Premier Cru)
Ludes (Premier Cru)
Trois-Puits (Premier Cru)
Mailly-Champagne (Grand Cru)
Verzenay (Grand Cru)

This diversity of terroirs ensures the consistency, complexity and typicity of the champagnes.

Method and Production The champagnes are produced in small quantities to guarantee rarity and exclusivity. Production volume is approximately 50,000 bottles per year. The house follows a conventional and HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) approach, with an emphasis on preserving the personality of the champagnes and on sustainability.

Champagnes The range is relatively short and consists of about four to five references, including:

Grande Réserve (Premier Cru): A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, available from about €19.20.
Rosé (Premier Cru): A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, available around €26.30 - €29.50.
Mailly Grand Cru: A white champagne of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, available around €26.30.
Platinium Millésimé: A vintage champagne (e.g. 2016), available around €30 - €32.
Les Coutures: A Grand Cru Chardonnay (e.g. 2013), available around €35.

In addition, the house offers a ratafia de Champagne. Visitors can book a sustainability-focused tasting in the new tasting room, where they get to know these rare champagnes.