Champagne O. Belin
Champagne house in Essômes-sur-Marne, Vallée de la Marne.
- Village
- Essômes-sur-Marne
- Region
- Vallée de la Marne
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Cuvées in the guide
- 9
Champagne O. Belin is an independent wine house in Essômes-sur-Marne (Champagne), run by oenologist Olivier Belin, who is the fifth generation of the family. After taking over in 1997 he specialised in a terroir-driven approach, with an emphasis on Pinot Meunier, the dominant grape of the Marne valley.
History and Vineyards
The estate has its roots in the 1950s and 1960s, with a first cellar from 1975. Olivier Belin manages 8 hectares spread over 17 plots with different soil types (clay, limestone, sand) and slope orientations. The vineyard consists of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. The vines are between 5 and 60 years old, with a strong focus on sustainable viticulture and the HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) approach.
Approach
Belin practises parcel-by-parcel vinification, with each plot processed separately to preserve the specific characteristics of the terroir. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The champagnes undergo no filtration and no cold stabilisation, and age between 2 and 7 years on wooden racks. Malolactic fermentation is generally applied, except for the Belle de Saignée (rosé).
Champagnes
The offering includes various cuvées that reflect the diversity of the estate:
- Bel Instant: A cheerful, 100% Meunier blanc de noirs.
- Bleu Chic: A blend of Meunier and Chardonnay.
- Clair Obscur: A Blanc de Noirs (60% Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir) with vinification in barrels.
- Belle de Saignée: A rosé by direct maceration.
- Rose des Fables: A rosé champagne.
- Lune de Miel: A demi-sec (medium-sweet) champagne.
- La Vie en Blanc: A pure Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs).
- Millésime Extra-Brut: A vintage champagne, available in years such as 2019 and 2020.
- Coffret 3 Cuvées parcellaires: Three 100% Meunier cuvées from different plots on one slope.
The house is known for its commitment and personal investment in every aspect of the production process, from grape to bottle. Visitors can attend a tour and tasting by appointment.
Cuvées by O. Belin
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