Champagne Olivier Rousseaux
Champagne house in Verzenay, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Verzenay (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Cuvées in the guide
- 11
Champagne Olivier Rousseaux is an independent wine house in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay (Montagne de Reims), located at 21 rue de Mailly, 51360 Verzenay. The estate is managed by a family of vignerons now in its fourth generation.
History
The estate began after the Second World War with Robert Lécompère, a cooper who invested in winegrowing. His daughter Liliane and son-in-law Alain Rousseaux continued this. Olivier Rousseaux took over the estate in 1985 at the age of 19. A turning point was the construction of his own cellar in 1991, which made him completely independent of the cooperative. Since 2024/2025 the estate has also been supported by his daughter Juliette Rousseaux, who brings a modern, international vision.
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate has approximately 5 hectares of vineyards, deeply rooted in the Grand Cru area of Verzenay.
- Location: The vineyards lie on the north slope of the Montagne de Reims, which provides a cooler climate and preserves freshness and tension.
- Soil type: The soil is mainly limestone-rich and chalky, which contributes to the structure and elegance of the wines.
- Grape varieties: The vineyards are dominated by Pinot Noir (approx. 83-90%), complemented by Chardonnay (approx. 12%) and a small percentage of Pinot Meunier (approx. 5%).
Approach
Olivier Rousseaux follows an ambitious, gastronomic style with an emphasis on precision, structure and expression of terroir.
- Farming: The viticulture is sustainable and certified with the HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and Viticulture Durable en Champagne labels.
- Vinification: Fermentation takes place largely in stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit purity, with some cuvées partly raised in wood for complexity.
- Style: The champagnes have a low dosage (often Extra Brut), long ageing on the lees and use of reserve wines (sometimes via Solera systems) for consistency. Juliette Rousseaux adds a more modern, more pronounced interpretation to this.
Champagnes and Prices
The range varies in price between €20 and €40+ and is characterised by low dosages and high quality.
- Cuvées: Tradition (Brut), Blanc de Noirs, Rosé, Millésime, Blanc de Blancs, and the top cuvées Juliette and Prestige.
- Recognition: The Cuvée Juliette 2020 (Extra Brut) received a Coup de Cœur and 3 stars in the Hachette Wine Guide 2026. The estate also won gold medals at competitions (including 2022 and 2018).
- Production: Approximately 15,000 bottles a year.
Visits are possible by appointment via 03 26 49 40 50 or [email protected].
Cuvées by Olivier Rousseaux
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Olivier Rousseaux: Champagne Terroir.
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