Champagne G.H. Martel

Champagne house in Reims, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Reims
Region: Montagne de Reims
Founded: 1869
Cuvées in the guide: 15

G.H.‌ Martel & Co. is a prestigious champagne house founded in 1869 by Gustav Heinrich Martel, with its headquarters in Reims at 17 rue des Créneaux. The house has been owned since 1979 by the Rapeneau family, who have been present in the Champagne region for more than a century and run the house with a focus on family, tradition and excellence.

History and Location

The original establishment was on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, but the current estate in Reims comprises buildings from the 18th century and unique medieval chalk pits (crayères). These pits, hewn out between the 4th and 15th centuries and up to 22 metres deep, have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015 ("Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars"). The cellars offer a climate that is ideal for the ageing of the champagnes.

Vineyards and Wine Culture

The family holdings cover almost 170 hectares of vineyards spread over 64 villages in the Champagne region. The wines are certified with High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3, which demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. The grape varieties used are traditional for the region: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

Method and Production

G.H. Martel combines traditional know-how with modern technology. The house has three traditional pressing centres, 20,000 m² of cellars and 55,000 hectolitres of storage, including modern temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Production is about 2 million bottles a year, which are distributed in France and the rest of Europe. The champagnes are carefully blended (assemblage) to showcase the diversity of the terroirs, with a dosage that is usually between 10 g/l (e.g. for Brut) and 40 g/l (e.g. for Demi-Sec).

Champagnes and Collection

The collection includes various cuvées, each with specific grape compositions:

Prestige Brut: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier; dosage 10 g/l.
Premier Brut: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay; dosage 10 g/l.
Blanc de Blancs: 100% Chardonnay; dosage 10 g/l.
Blanc de Noirs: 63% Pinot Noir, 37% Pinot Meunier; dosage 10 g/l.
Brut Millesimé: 32% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Meunier; dosage 10 g/l.
Rosé: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier + 15% red wine; dosage 11 g/l.
Demi-Sec: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier; dosage 40 g/l.
Cuvée Victoire: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay; dosage 10 g/l.

Visitors can visit the house for tours of the historic cellars and the ecomuseum, followed by a tasting of two champagnes. Opening hours are generally daily from 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00, closed on 25 December and 1 January.