Champagne Frerejean Frères
Champagne house in Avize, Côte des Blancs.
- Village
- Avize (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Côte des Blancs
- Cuvées in the guide
- 7
Frerejean Frères is an independent champagne house in Avize (Côte des Blancs), founded in 2005 by the brothers Guillaume, Richard and Rodolphe Frerejean-Taittinger in collaboration with Didier Pierson. The family has historical roots as cannon makers for Napoleon's army. The champagnes are made exclusively from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, characterised by extremely long ageing on the lees of 5 to 12 years and very low dosages (often Extra-Brut, <6 g/l).
History and Terroir
The brothers, descendants of the prestigious Taittinger family, started the house after the sale of Taittinger to a pension fund, driven by a passion for artisanal production. Their ancestors were 18th-century smiths who supplied cannons to the French navy and Napoleon's army. The estate is based in Avize, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs, known for its chalky soil that gives minerality to the Chardonnay. The vineyards cover about 10 hectares, supplemented with grapes from suppliers, and include plots in Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Ambonnay and Bouzy. Some very old vineyards (VV26) date from 1926.
Vinification and Method
Under the direction of Didier Pierson the house follows a strict plot-by-plot vinification, with each plot processed separately to preserve the terroir identity. The must ferments mainly in stainless steel tanks, but some base wines age in oak barrels for extra complexity. Ageing on the lees is exceptionally long: at least 5 years for the standard cuvées, and up to 12 years for the prestige vintage champagnes. This process, combined with low sulphite use and late disgorgement, results in champagnes with enormous depth and softness. The house produces about 25,000 bottles a year, with a focus on quality over quantity.
Main Cuvées
- Brut Premier Cru NV: The flagship cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Premier Cru villages, with 5-7 years of ageing.
- Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: 100% Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant and Oger, bottled with a cork (agrafe) for long keeping.
- VV26 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: Prestige cuvée from vineyards from 1926, with 8 years of ageing and élevage in casks.
- Cuvée des Hussards: The vintage prestige cuvée, named after the cavalry that used the Frerejean cannons and were the first to sabre champagne.
- Grande Réserve: A more accessible, elegant blend for aperitif or with light dishes, with 3-4 years of ageing.
- Rosé Premier Cru: A recent addition to the portfolio, produced with a limited percentage of Pinot Noir.
Cuvées by Frerejean Frères
Importers
Frerejean Frères is imported by: Petit Clos.
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Frerejean Frères: Bottle Hero, Petit Clos.
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses