Champagne Mercier

Champagne house in Épernay, Vallée de la Marne.

Village: Épernay
Region: Vallée de la Marne
Cuvées in the guide: 7

Mercier‌ is a champagne house in Épernay, founded in 1858 by the 20-year-old Eugène Mercier with the mission of making champagne accessible without loss of quality. The house has been owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) since 1970.

History

Eugène Mercier was an innovator who was the first to introduce electricity into the cellars (1886) and worked with the Lumière brothers on an early film advertisement. He created famous promotional campaigns, such as a gigantic wine vat for the 1889 World Fair (where it won second prize, behind the Eiffel Tower) and a floating champagne bar in a balloon during the 1900 World Fair. The cellars, dug between 1871 and 1877, stretch over 18 kilometres underground.

Vineyards and Production

Mercier owns approximately 225-231 hectares of its own vineyards in 20 crus, mainly with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. To scale production and control costs, the house also buys grapes from contract growers, including from the Aube and Aisne, regions with lower production costs. The house produces approximately 7 million bottles a year.

Winemaking and Cellars

The champagnes age in the cellars at 30 metres depth, where the temperature is between 10 and 12°C all year round. Visitors can explore the cellars via a panoramic lift and a little train, admiring the bas-reliefs by sculptor Gustave Navlet and thousands of ageing bottles. The house is known for its accessibility and historic ties with Paris, including through a direct railway line that was built as early as 1871.

Champagnes

Mercier Blanc de Noirs: The iconic cuvée, consisting of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier, characterised by an intense and aromatic style.
Mercier Brut: A classic blend with 20% Chardonnay and a lot of Pinot Meunier, which is sold young.
Cuvée Vendange: Presented as the flagship cuvée with fine perlage and complex aromas.
Brut Rosé: A popular rosé champagne known for its freshness.

Cuvées by Mercier

Mercier Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Noirs · 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier

The house's iconic cuvée with notes of redcurrant and fresh blackberry.

Mercier Brut

Blend · Brut · 45% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier, 15% Chardonnay

The most accessible cuvée, with apple and pear notes.

Mercier Brut Rosé

Rosé · Brut

Fresh Brut Rosé from the Essentials range.

Mercier Brut Réserve

Blend · Brut

Brut Réserve from the Essentials range.

Mercier Harvest 2003

Blend · 2003

Vintage cuvée from the 2003 harvest.

Mercier Harvest 2007

Blend · 2007

Vintage cuvée from the 2007 harvest.

Mercier Harvest 2010

Blend · 2010

Vintage cuvée from the 2010 harvest.

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