Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Champagne house in Ecueil, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Ecueil (Premier Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Cuvées in the guide
- 15
Lacourte-Godbillon is a family-run estate in the Premier Cru village of Écueil (Montagne de Reims), run by the ninth generation, Géraldine Lacourte and Richard Desvignes. The estate is known for its strict biodynamic approach, the use of local oak barrels and champagnes with a strong Pinot Noir dominance.
History
The family has a long winegrowing tradition; the great-grandparents first bottled champagne under their own name in 1947 (Lacourte-Labasse and Godbillon-Marie). In 1968 the parents, Jean-Guy and Claudine, launched the Lacourte-Godbillon brand. In 2006 Géraldine and Richard made a radical switch from their careers in Paris to the wine estate, taking over completely in 2008 and later obtaining Demeter biodynamic certification.
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate manages 8 to 8.5 hectares of vineyards, located on the western slopes of the Petite Montagne de Reims.
- Grape varieties: The vineyards consist of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay.
- Soil type: The soil is purely chalky, which promotes a mineral and tight style.
- Location: Most vineyards are in Écueil, with a small plot (50 ares) in the neighbouring Les Mesneux.
- Age: The average age of the vines is around 30 to 38 years, with some historic plots (such as Monts Âme and Migerats) up to 70 years old.
Winemaking
Lacourte-Godbillon follows a "simplistic" philosophy in which the terroir takes centre stage, supported by biodynamic principles.
- Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast is used. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels from the nearby Ecueil forest, which gives structure without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Ageing: The champagnes often age longer than legally required (sometimes more than 60 months on the lees), which contributes to harmony and complexity.
- Dosage: Many cuvées are produced with a very low dosage, including Brut Nature (no added sugar) and Extra Brut (maximum 3 grams of sugar).
- Sustainability: No use of insecticides or herbicides; biodiversity is encouraged, including through the use of sheep.
Champagnes
The portfolio includes various Premier Cru cuvées, ranging from basic blends to exclusive vintages.
- Terroirs d'Ecueil: The basic blend (85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay), often Extra Brut.
- Chaillots: A Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir), sometimes aged in wood.
- Chaillots Hautes Vignes: A concentrated Pinot Noir from the highest plots, long aged in wood.
- M.A.M. (Monts Âme - Migerats): A Brut Nature from 70-year-old vines.
- Rosé and Blanc de Blancs: Specialities that showcase the diversity of the terroir.
Cuvées by Lacourte-Godbillon
Importers
Lacourte-Godbillon is imported by: L'Atelier du Champagne.
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Lacourte-Godbillon: L'Atelier du Champagne.
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