Champagne Pierson-Cuvelier
Champagne house in Louvois, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Louvois (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Cuvées in the guide
- 14
Champagne Pierson-Cuvelier is an independent wine house (récoltant-manipulant) based in Louvois, a 100% Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims, France. The Pierson-Cuvelier family has managed the estate since 1901 and is known for its powerful Pinot Noir profiles and respect for the environment.
History
The origins of the estate go back to the beginning of the 20th century, with the first sale of bottles in 1928. The current name Pierson-Cuvelier was officially launched in 1978 under François Pierson. A unique historical aspect is that the wine cellars are set up in trenches (combat trenches) that were dug into the chalk-rock soils during the First World War; these underground spaces still serve as ageing cellars. François Pierson still keeps the harvest diary of his great-grandmother, which records data since 1860.
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate has approximately 11.5 hectares of vineyards spread over 13 communes in the Montagne de Reims. All plots are classified Grand Cru or Premier Cru.
- Locations: Besides its home base Louvois, the holding includes prestigious terroirs in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Aÿ.
- Grape varieties: The focus is strongly on Pinot Noir (the dominant grape in this region), complemented by Chardonnay and Meunier, depending on the cuvée.
- Sustainability: The vines are grown according to integrated viticulture practices. The estate has used no insecticides for more than 19 years and minimises the use of sulphite and chemical cleaning agents.
Approach
Pierson-Cuvelier combines traditional methods with modern precision.
- Vinification: The must is traditionally fermented in stainless steel tanks, but for some cuvées vinification in oak barrels is used to add complexity.
- Ageing: The champagnes mature on the lees in the chalk cellars. The standard ageing is three years, but for millésime cuvées this can rise to five years.
- Certification: The house is a member of the "Vignerons Indépendants" and "Les Champagnes de Vignerons" labels, which guarantees that the entire production chain from vineyard to bottle is under its own control.
Champagnes
The portfolio ranges from accessible brut to exclusive prestige cuvées, with a strong emphasis on Pinot Noir:
- Cuvée Tradition: A Premier Cru blend of mainly Pinot Noir (85%) and Chardonnay (15%). Characterised by a fresh, fruity taste with a clear structure.
- Cuvée Prestige: A 100% Pinot Noir Grand Cru. This wine is aged three years on the lees and is known for its power, depth and "blanc de noirs" character.
- Millésime Grand Cru: A vintage champagne (e.g. 2019 or 2020) that ages at least five years. For extra complexity the must is often fermented for one year in oak barrels. It is a powerful, generous wine that fully reflects the terroir of Louvois.
- Nature (Brut Zéro): A 100% Pinot Noir Grand Cru without added dosage (sugar), resulting in a very dry, pure and mineral tasting experience.
- Rosé: Obtained by maceration of 100% Pinot Noir (Premier Cru), with the skins in contact with the must for colour and tannins.
- Bouzy Rouge: A red wine from the Coteaux Champenois appellation, made with Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru Bouzy.
- Ratafia Rouge: A unique, traditional drink made from fresh grape must and Cognac, specific to this estate.
Cuvées by Pierson-Cuvelier
Importers
Pierson-Cuvelier is imported by: Monsieur Champagne, Wijnkoperij Vinyo B.V..
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Pierson-Cuvelier: Champagne Terroir, Monsieur Champagne, Wijnkoperij Vinyo B.V..
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