Champagne L. Bénard-Pitois

Champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (Premier Cru)

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Founded

1878

Cuvées in the guide

10

Champagne​‌​ L. Bénard-Pitois is a family business based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (51160 Aÿ-Champagne), just a few kilometres from Épernay, and is currently run by the third generation: Michelle and Laurent Bénard-Louis.

• History: The wine tradition in the family began in 1878, although the estate was officially founded as an independent business in 1938. Since 1991 Michelle and Laurent have continued to run the estate, seeking a balance between centuries-old traditions and modern winegrowing techniques.
• Vineyards: The estate owns 10 to 11 hectares of vineyards, spread over 6 villages in the Grande Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. The vineyards are located on terroirs classified Grand Cru (including Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger) and Premier Cru (including Avenay-Val-d’Or, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Mutigny, Bergères-les-Vertus). The grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier.
• Approach: Winemaking is a continuous search for perfection, using the traditional méthode champenoise. Notable is the vinification in wood (partly in oak casks) for some cuvées, which adds character and complexity. The estate practises raisonnée viticulture and also has an organically certified sub-brand, Champagne Laurent Bénard (the 'Vignoble des sept Arpents').
• Champagnes: The offering includes both classic and exceptional cuvées:
• Brut Réserve: The house's reference, often composed of 60-85% Pinot Noir and 15-40% Chardonnay, with wood ageing.
• Brut Carte Blanche: Another standard cuvée.
• Brut Rosé: Obtained by blending or direct pressing, with a dominant Pinot Noir or Chardonnay depending on the variant.
• Demi-Sec Gourmandine: A medium-sweet wine, ideal with Asian cuisine or desserts.
• Brut Nature and Millésime (vintage) champagnes, including a Blanc de Blancs.

Cuvées by L. Bénard-Pitois

Importers

L. Bénard-Pitois is imported by: Grapes & Barrels.

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