Champagne François Secondé
Champagne house in Sillery, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Sillery (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Cuvées in the guide
- 6
History: The house was founded by François Secondé, who was already working in winegrowing at the age of fourteen and began producing his own champagnes in 1976 with his wife Anne-Marie. Sillery has a rich history as a producer of high-quality still wines in the 17th and 18th centuries, but François Secondé is the only récoltant-manipulant who still produces a pure Sillery Grand Cru. Since February 2024 the estate has been run by Jérôme Groslambert, who had already worked at the house since 2009 and took over the majority of the shares after François' death in 2018.
Vineyards: The estate manages 5.5 hectares of vineyards, with an average vine age of 37 to 40 years. The vineyards are divided over the Grand Cru village Sillery, the Grand Cru villages Mailly-Champagne, Puisieulx and Verzenay, and the Premier Cru village Sermiers. The soil consists of deep chalk and limestone layers (85 million years old), which contributes to the minerality and elegance of the wines. The grape varieties are 2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Chardonnay, and the management is sustainably certified (HVE).
Method: François Secondé is known for its artisanal approach, with hand harvesting and hand riddling (turning of bottles). Many cuvées undergo vinification in wooden barrels, which contributes to complexity and depth. The house produces few but many different cuvées, ranging from low dosage to Zéro Dosage (Brut Intégral). The style is characterised by a harmony of power and elegance, with much emphasis on the terroir expression of Sillery.
Champagnes: The portfolio includes various distinctive cuvées:
- Brut Grand Cru: The standard blend (2/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Chardonnay).
- La Loge Blanc de Noirs: A pure Pinot Noir from Sillery, partly aged in wood.
- Sillery Blanc de Blancs Millésimé: A rare vintage of 100% Chardonnay from a single plot.
- Puisieulx Grand Cru Les Petites Vignes: A rare mono-cru from the small village of Puisieulx.
- Sermiers Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs: An Extra Brut of Chardonnay.
- Brut Rosé: A refined rosé, mainly of Pinot Noir.
- Côteaux Champenois: Still red and white wines, a revival of the historic Sillery tradition.
- Cuvée Clavier: An exception in the portfolio with a different grape combination, referring to an old brand.
Cuvées by François Secondé
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying François Secondé: Ton Overmars.
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