Champagne Philippe Bénard

Champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (Premier Cru)

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Type of house

RM · Récoltant Manipulant

Cuvées in the guide

6

Philippe​‌​ Bénard is a récoltant-manipulant (independent wine producer) based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, near Épernay, with a family tradition of more than four generations and a history of more than a century. Philippe Bénard graduated from the Lycée Viticole d'Avize in 1980 and now runs the estate together with his wife Catherine, son Yohann and daughter Lucie.

The vineyards cover 7.8 hectares of hillsides, on which Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier are grown. The grapes are harvested by hand and the estate manages the entire production chain itself, from vineyard to sale, without the involvement of a cooperative.

The approach follows the traditional champagne method with vinification in stainless steel tanks. The white wines undergo malolactic fermentation, after which they are filtered but not fined. The bottles are riddled mechanically with a gyropalette and disgorged with ice (at approx. -25°C) to remove the sediment.

The range of champagnes includes various cuvées, including:

• Brut Réserve: The house's basic brut.
• Blanc de Blancs: Made from 100% Chardonnay, often from old vineyards.
• Rosé: A light rosé with fruity notes.
• Millésimé: Annual cuvées from premier cru vineyards.
• Demi-Sec: Sweeter champagnes for with desserts.

Visits to the estate at 21 rue Corbier, 51160 Mareuil-sur-Aÿ are possible by appointment only, including cellar visit and tasting.

Cuvées by Philippe Bénard

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