Champagne Jacques Defrance

Champagne house in Les Riceys, Côte des Bar.

Village: Les Riceys
Region: Côte des Bar
Type of house: RM · Récoltant Manipulant
Founded: 1867
Cuvées in the guide: 7

Champagne‌ Jacques Defrance is a family business in Les Riceys (Côte des Bar, Champagne) that has existed since 1867 and is now run by Christophe Defrance (fourth generation), his wife Marie-Dominique and daughter Anne-Sophie. The estate is unique because Les Riceys is the only commune in France that produces three appellations: Champagne, Rosé des Riceys and Coteaux Champenois.

History and Vineyards

The Defrance family has been building a reputation on the slopes around Les Riceys for four generations. Since 1988 Christophe Defrance has modernised the technique, investing in a new cellar in 1991. The vineyards cover 12 hectares (some sources say 10 ha) with an average vine age of 40 years. The soil is argilo-calcaire with fossil remains, similar to that of Chablis. The grape varieties are mainly Pinot Noir (77-85%) and Chardonnay (15-20%), with a small percentage of Pinot Blanc or Pinot Meunier.

Winemaking

The estate practises raisonné vineyard management and is certified under Terra Vitis and H.V.E. III (Highest Environmental Level). No insecticides, anti-botrytis products or herbicides are used. The soil is worked entirely mechanically to respect biodiversity and the environment. Production is about 80,000 bottles per year.

Champagnes and Cuvées

The range varies from accessible basic champagnes to exclusive vintages and single-varietals. Some notable cuvées are:

Brut Tradition and Brut Nature
Native series (Extra Brut, Solera, Rosé)
Argile Rosé (Pinot Noir-dominant)
Terre Blanche (Blanc de Blancs)
Exception (100% Pinot Blanc)
Créations "1867": Exclusive cuvées celebrating the history of the house, such as the Prestige and Millésimé (e.g. 2008, 2009, 2014).
In addition to Champagne, the house also produces the well-known still Rosé des Riceys.

Visitors can visit the cellar at 28 Rue de la Plante, 10340 Les Riceys. Opening hours are generally Monday-Friday 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:30, with visits on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Cuvées by Jacques Defrance

Jacques Defrance Brut Exception

Blend · Brut

Jacques Defrance Brut Millésime 2014

Blend · Brut · 2014

Jacques Defrance Brut Nature

Blend · Brut Nature

Non-vintage brut nature, mainly Pinot Noir, with peach and apricot notes.

Jacques Defrance Brut Prestige

Blend · Brut

Multi-vintage Chardonnay-dominant brut with pear and toasted bread notes.

Jacques Defrance Brut Tradition

Blend · Brut

Non-vintage brut led by Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, with red and white fruit notes.

Jacques Defrance Demi-Sec

Demi-Sec

Jacques Defrance Native Rosé Brut

Rosé · Brut

Importers

Jacques Defrance is imported by: Neerlands Wijnhuis.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Jacques Defrance: Utregs Wijnhuis, Wijnkoperij Steinz.

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