Champagne Vaucelle
Champagne house in Celles-sur-Ource, Côte des Bar.
- Village
- Celles-sur-Ource
- Region
- Côte des Bar
- Type of house
- RM · Récoltant Manipulant
- Cuvées in the guide
- 6
Champagne Vaucelle is a premium brand founded in 2025 by Thomas Cheurlin in Celles-sur-Ource (Côte des Bar), as a high-quality branch of the family houses Maison Thomas Cheurlin and Cheurlin-Dangin. The name refers to the local term for "small valley" and highlights the terroir-oriented philosophy.
History and Background
The Cheurlin family has been active as winegrowers in Celles-sur-Ource since 1677, with a transition to champagne production after the Second World War. Thomas Cheurlin launched Vaucelle as a more distinctive, high-quality line to realise his personal vision of authentic champagne, separate from the broader consumer brands of the family business. The house is known for its independent, family-driven approach and exports to markets such as the US, Japan and Denmark.
Vineyards and Terroir
- Location: The vineyards lie in the Côte des Bar on Jurassic Kimmeridgian soils (calcareous clay), spread over eight communes in the valleys of the Ource, Seine and Arce.
- Area: The estate owns 25 hectares of its own vineyards (as Récoltant-Manipulant) and manages a comparable area as Négociant-Manipulant.
- Grape varieties: The profile is dominated by Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), with the rare Blanc Vrai (Pinot Blanc) as a distinctive addition.
- Farmland: The viticulture is certified HVE level 3 and Viticulture Durable en Champagne (VDC), with part of the production (10%) uncertified but following organic principles.
Working Methods and Vinification
- Harvest: Exclusively hand harvesting to safeguard the integrity of the grapes.
- Pressing: Use of the first, most noble pressings, separated by grape variety and by plot to maximise terroir expression.
- Fermentation and Ageing: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for parcel-level precision. The champagnes age for at least 36 months on the lees, with some cuvées (such as Les Ambassadeurs) up to 72 months.
- Specialities: The house uses rare methods such as ageing in oak casks (foudres), solera systems for reserve wines, and the use of amphorae (since 2015).
- Liqueur d'expédition: The house produces its own liqueurs for more structure and complexity, with minimal sulphite use.
Champagnes (Cuvées)
The Vaucelle range consists of six specific cuvées, each with a unique identity:
- Terre Natale: A Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir) in which 30% of the wine ages for one year in oak barrels for a full, spicy structure.
- Les Ambassadeurs: A prestige cuvée (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) with 72 months of ageing, often used in diplomatic representation.
- Les Vallons: An accessible Brut (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay) with freshness and softness, ideal as an aperitif.
- Le Suchot
- Terre Nacrée: A Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) known for its crystal-clear finesse and mineral elegance.
- Terre de Nuance
The champagnes are available from cavistes, in the hospitality trade (CHR), and on the tables of French ministries and parliament, with a strong focus on international export.
Cuvées by Vaucelle
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses