Champagne Jean Velut
Champagne house in Montgueux, Côte des Blancs.
- Village
- Montgueux
- Region
- Côte des Blancs
- Cuvées in the guide
- 9
Champagne Jean Velut is a pioneering estate in Montgueux, an isolated limestone hill area west of Troyes, known as the "Montrachet of Champagne" for its exceptional Chardonnay. The Velut family, which has practised winegrowing since the 16th century, transformed a traditional farm into a specialist wine estate in the 1960s after their fields on the plain were claimed by the urban expansion of Troyes. Jean Velut and his wife Huguette laid the foundations, and their son Denis started their own champagne production in 1976; today the estate is run by Denis and his son Benoît.
The estate has 7 to 7.7 hectares of vineyards, located on the south-eastern slopes of Montgueux, completely isolated from other vineyards. The soil consists of Turonian chalk (90 million years old), which contributes to the minerality and freshness of the wines. Chardonnay dominates with 80% to 90% of the area, supplemented by Pinot Noir. Viticulture has been practised raisonnée (integrated pest management) for 15 years, with organic compost and without insecticides; Benoît is also experimenting with biodynamics on a few plots. Most champagnes are fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve pure expression of the terroir.
The champagnes of Jean Velut are known for their balance between freshness, complexity and the characteristic Chardonnay profile. Well-known cuvées are:
- L'Oubliée: A Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut that conveys the essence of the terroir.
- Lumière et Craie: An elegant Blanc de Blancs.
- Premier Temps: A Brut Tradition with a mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- Noir de Craie: A rare Blanc de Noirs of Pinot Noir.
- Témoignage: A vintage (millésime) Blanc de Blancs.
- Patience: A Brut Nature (zero dosage).
Visitors can visit the estate for tastings and walks, often accompanied by a family member, to experience the history and the unique microclimate influences of Montgueux.
Cuvées by Jean Velut
Importers
Jean Velut is imported by: De Geluksdruif.
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses