Champagne Philippe Fourrier

Champagne house in Baroville, Côte des Bar.

Village

Baroville

Region

Côte des Bar

Type of house

NM · Négociant Manipulant

Founded

1847

Cuvées in the guide

11

Champagne​‌​ Philippe Fourrier is a négociant-manipulant (a producer that both buys in grapes and produces the champagne) based in Baroville, in the Côte des Bar (south of Champagne). The history of the house goes back to 1847, with the craft passed from father to son for five generations.

History and Family

• Foundation: The house was founded in 1847 by the Fourrier family.
• Generations: Five generations have run the estate, from the founders to Philippe Fourrier (first harvest 1979) and his son Julien Fourrier, the current chef de cave and responsible for the elaboration.
• Independence: André Fourrier (Julien's great-grandfather) was the first, in the early 20th century, to transform the vintage way of working into an independent champagne house, from grape to commercialisation.
• Modernisation: Under Philippe and Julien the estate has been modernised with improved vinification installations, structure in the range and export development, while traditional values are retained.

Vineyards and Terroir

• Location: The vineyards lie in the natural amphitheatre of Baroville, oriented south-south-west, which offers favourable climatic and geological conditions.
• Area: The estate covers about 25 hectares (some sources mention 18 ha), spread over 70 plots.
• Grape varieties:
• Pinot Noir: ~70% (dominant, gives character and structure).
• Chardonnay: ~29% (brings finesse and freshness).
• Pinot Meunier: ~1%.
• Pinot Blanc: A very rare grape in Champagne, which gives the house a unique aromatic signature.
• Recently, old grape varieties such as Arbane and Petit Meslier have also been replanted to preserve the genetic heritage.
• Soil: The soil is mainly argilo-calcair (clay-limestone), comparable to that of Burgundy, which contributes to the characteristic expression of the champagnes.

Method and Sustainability

• Full control: The estate is a négociant-manipulant, which means all stages of the process – from vineyard to bottle – are carried out on site. This guarantees constant quality control.
• Harvest: The harvest is exclusively by hand (manuel), which allows selection in the field.
• Sustainability: The estate follows integrated viticulture (viticulture raisonnée) and is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale level 3.
• Practices include applying bark and compost, grazing between the rows, thorough soil work and strict limitation of pesticides.
• Vinification: The champagnes are elaborated with respect for the terroir, emphasising the specific characteristics of each variety (especially Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc).

Champagnes and Cuvées

Philippe Fourrier produces a variety of champagnes that express the richness of the Côte des Bar:

• Grande Cuvée Intimiste: An Extra Brut (no or little dosage), made from 100% Chardonnay (only the best bunches). This is a limited vintage that combines purity and complexity.
• Grande Cuvée Intimiste Rosé de Saignée: A rosé made by maceration (saignée), aged 10 months in barrels and 3 years of ageing. Known for its intense colour and fine complexity.
• Pinot Noir: A fruity, powerful champagne that reflects the dominance of this variety on the estate.
• Pinot Blanc: A rare cuvée with a unique aromatic expression, fresh and with notes of exotic fruit.
• Pinot Meunier: A fresh, fruity champagne with aromas of yellow fruit.
• Coteaux Champenois: Still wines (red and white) from the region, such as the Coteaux Champenois Rouge, which is full and round.
• Ratafia: A traditional Champagne aperitif, such as the Ratafia Blanc, aromatic and sweet.

Practical Information

• Address: 39 Rue de Bar-sur-Aube, 10200 Baroville, France.
• Website: https://champagne-fourrier.com
• Visits and Tastings: The estate offers tours and tastings (including 3 or 5 cuvées) for about €15-€17 per person. Visitors can visit the press, cuverie and cellar.
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00-12:00 & 13:30-17:30; Sat: 9:00-12:00 & 14:00-17:30.
• Contact: +33 (0)3 25 27 13 44 | [email protected]

The house is known for its authenticity, family tradition and the unique expression of the Côte des Bar, in particular through the use of Pinot Noir and the rare Pinot Blanc.

Cuvées by Philippe Fourrier

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Philippe Fourrier: Bottle Hero.

All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses