Champagne Payelle
Champagne house in Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Ambonnay (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Founded
- 1952
- Cuvées in the guide
- 9
Champagne Payelle Père et Fils is a family business based in Ambonnay, one of the 17 Grand Cru villages in Champagne, founded in 1952 by Jean Payelle. The estate is currently run by the third generation, Fabrice Payelle, and produces exclusively Grand Cru champagnes.
History and Vineyards
- The 26 vineyards lie entirely in Ambonnay, directly adjacent to those of large houses such as Moët et Chandon.
- The plot is small (0.29 ha via France Valley, but the total property comprises all 26 fields in the village) and has been certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) since 2021 and is committed to organic farming.
- Ambonnay is known for its Pinot Noir, which forms the round, fruity and powerful basis of the champagnes.
Approach
- The harvest is done by hand (mechanical harvesting is prohibited for Grand Cru).
- Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity.
- A unique feature is the use of dégorgement à la volée (manual disgorging), a rare traditional technique that emphasises manual craftsmanship.
- The house spends little on marketing, so the focus is entirely on quality and value for money.
Champagnes
The house style is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Some notable cuvées are:
- Brut Nature: 100% Pinot Noir, dry (3 g sugar/litre).
- Tradition Brut: 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs), known for fine bubbles and almond notes.
- Cuvée du Pomponne Millésimé: A Grand Cru blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay.
- Brut Rosé: Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (part of which is fermented as red wine).
- Vieille Réserve Brut: 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.
For more information, visit https://champagne-payelle.com or call 03 26 57 08 66.
Cuvées by Payelle
Payelle Blanc de Blancs
Pure Chardonnay with citrus and exotic fruit aromas and mineral freshness.
Payelle Brut Nature
Undosed Champagne.
Payelle Brut Nature Grand Cru
Payelle Brut Rosé
Blended rosé (rosé d'assemblage).
Payelle Brut Vieille Réserve Grand Cru
Payelle Demi-Sec
Demi-sec Champagne.
Payelle Millésime
Vintage blend with malolactic fermentation blocked on half the wine, complex and slightly roasted.
Payelle Millésime Grand Cru
Payelle Vieille Réserve
Long lees-aged blend from the Grands Crus of Ambonnay, with white flowers, honey and biscuit.
Importers
Payelle is imported by: TO-MI Champagne.
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Payelle: TO-MI Champagne.
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