Champagne Malard
Champagne house in Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne.
- Village
- Aÿ (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Vallée de la Marne
- Cuvées in the guide
- 11
Champagne Malard is a champagne house based in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, founded in 1996 by Jean-Louis Malard. The house is now part of the Castel group and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.
History and Ownership
- Foundation: The house was founded by Jean-Louis Malard, who has known his network of suppliers for decades from his youth in Champagne.
- Group affiliation: In September 2024 the house joined the Castel group (formerly CASTEL-Vins), which heralds a new phase in its history.
- Management: The company is an S.A.S. with Jean-Louis Malard as Directeur Général and Vitalie Cabusel as Chef de Cave.
Vineyards and Terroir
- Location: The head office is in Aÿ (Marne), while the cellars and cuverie are located in Oiry (Côte des Blancs).
- Grape varieties: The houses specialise in Premier and Grand Crus. The blends consist of 80% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (equally divided) and 20% Chardonnay.
- Source: The grapes come from prestigious villages such as Cramant, Avize, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Chouilly.
Winemaking and Vinification
- Philosophy: The focus is on quality over time, with low dosages and a minimum ageing of 3 years on the empty bottles (sur lattes).
- Technique: The house uses gyropalettes for riddling (rotating) the bottles.
- Disgorgement: The deposit is removed via ice disgorgement (freezing the neck at -20°C to -25°C) to preserve the quality and freshness of the wine.
Champagnes and Cuvées
- Excellence Brut: The signature cuvée, a balance of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, known for its freshness and structure.
- Excellence Blanc de Blancs: Made from 100% Chardonnay, characterised by finesse and elegance.
- Excellence Blanc de Noirs: A 100% Pinot Noir cuvée, structured and fresh, ideal with poultry or mushrooms.
- Historique: A premium line with millésimes (such as Verzenay and Avize) that achieve high scores (up to 92/100) in guides such as Gault&Millau.
- Other: The range also includes Rosé, Premier Cru and Demi-Sec versions, with prices ranging from €20 to €195 per bottle.
Cuvées by Malard
Malard Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de blancs praised for freshness, precision and elegance.
Malard Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de noirs from 100% Pinot Noir of Aÿ.
Malard Brut
Accessible, balanced Brut designed for the table.
Malard Les Historiques Avize
Single-vineyard cuvée from Avize.
Malard Les Historiques Aÿ
Single-vineyard cuvée from Aÿ.
Malard Les Historiques Bouzy
Single-vineyard cuvée from Bouzy.
Malard Les Historiques Cramant
Single-vineyard cuvée from Cramant.
Malard Les Historiques Verzenay
Single-vineyard cuvée from Verzenay.
Malard Millésime 2015
Vintage Brut with notes of yellow fruit, brioche and honey.
Malard Millésime 2016 Bio
Organic 2016 vintage cuvée.
Malard Rosé
Rosé from the Excellence collection.
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses