Champagne Philippe Fays
Champagne house in Celles-sur-Ource, Côte des Bar.
- Village
- Celles-sur-Ource
- Region
- Côte des Bar
- Cuvées in the guide
- 11
Champagne Philippe Fays is a family business in Celles-sur-Ource (Aube), located in the heart of the Côte des Bar. The house combines a rich tradition with a modern, environmentally responsible approach.
History
The origins lie three generations back with Jean Fays, the grandfather who started as a wine grower. In the 1970s his son André founded the family business and vinified his first cuvées. Since 1985 the 4 hectares of vineyard have been managed by Philippe Fays and his wife Laurence, who continue the vision of their ancestors.
Vineyards
The estate has a vineyard of 4 hectares (some sources say 5 ha), spread over three villages in the Côte des Bar.
- Grape varieties: The vineyard consists of 75% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. Recently Pinot Blanc (an ancestral variety) was also introduced on a south-facing slope with clay soil.
- Soil: The soil is ardo-calcair with variations in marl and chalk, which contributes to the complexity and the specific characteristics of each plot.
- Age: Most vines are about thirty years old.
Approach
Philippe Fays treats the vineyard like a garden, with respect for the environment and the natural expression of the terroir.
- Harvest & Soil care: The manual harvest is combined with regular ploughing and sowing of grass to prevent soil compaction and stimulate deep root growth.
- Sustainability: The estate practises viticulture raisonnée (balanced cultivation) and is certified for Haute Valeur Environnementale and Terra Vitis. The use of inputs is limited to the absolute minimum; in the autumn organic compost is added.
- Vinification: The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks, but part of the vinification takes place in oak barrels to give the wine more structure and complexity. The white champagnes undergo malolactic fermentation.
- Ageing: The champagnes age on the lattes (on their side) in the cellar, ranging from one to three years for millésime champagnes. The dégorgement (disgorging) is done à la volée (by pressure).
Champagnes
Philippe Fays produces a range of seven cuvées that reflect the diversity of the terroirs.
- Style: The champagnes are known for their finesse, personality and minerality.
- Blend: For the non-millésime champagnes, reserve wines of 2 to 3 years are used (up to 30% of the blend), which provides harmony and complexity.
- Cuvées: Well-known versions are the Blanc de Noirs (exclusively black grapes) and various Réserve cuvées that range from fresh and fruity to complex and mature.
- Availability: Visitors can visit the estate by appointment, taste and buy the champagnes.
Cuvées by Philippe Fays
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Philippe Fays: Champagne Terroir.
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses