Champagne Vilmart & Cie

Champagne house in Rilly-la-Montagne, Montagne de Reims.

Village

Rilly-la-Montagne (Premier Cru)

Region

Montagne de Reims

Type of house

RM · Récoltant Manipulant

Founded

1890

Cuvées in the guide

21

Champagne​‌​ Vilmart & Cie is a family business in Rilly-la-Montagne (Montagne de Reims), founded in 1890 by Désiré Vilmart. The house is currently run by Laurent Champs (since 1995) and his son Thomas Champs (since 2020/2021), the fifth generation of the family.

Vineyards and Terroir

• The estate comprises 11 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards, divided over 12 plots.
• The location is mainly Rilly-la-Montagne (80%), with a few plots in Villers-Allerand (20%).
• The soil is calcareous-argillaceous (chalk and clay), typical of the region.
• The grape varieties are 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir.
• The average age of the vines is approximately 35 years, with vines up to 60 years old in certain plots such as Les Blanches Voies.
• The vines are partly grafted (ungrafted in Les Blanches Voies).

Working Methods and Vinification

• The winemakers distinguish themselves by vinification and ageing entirely in wood (foudres for non-vintage, 225-litre oak barrels for vintage).
• The ageing lasts at least 10 months in wood.
• Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve freshness, acidity and complexity.
• The viticulture is sustainable (HVE and VDC certified) and follows the Charte Ampélos, in which chemical fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides are avoided.
• Production is around 110,000 bottles per year (approximately 8,500 cases).
• More than half of production is exported to approximately 30 countries.

Champagnes and Cuvées The house mainly produces Premier Cru champagnes, including:

• Vilmart & Cie: The entry-level cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Cœur de Cuvée: A prestigious cuvée, often dominated by Chardonnay (80%), from old vines (approximately 50 years old).
• Grand Cellier d'Or: A vintage champagne of Chardonnay (80%) and Pinot Noir (20%), aged in oak barrels.
• Grand Cellier Rubis: A rosé of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, aged in wood.
• Spécial Club: An exclusive vintage cuvée for members of the Spécial Club of the Syndicat de Grandes Marque de Champagne.

Contact and Visit

• Address: 5 Rue des Gravières, 51500 Rilly-la-Montagne, France (sometimes stated as 4 Rue de la République).
• Website: https://champagnevilmart.fr
• Telephone: +33 3 26 03 40 01
• Visit: Tours and tastings are available at the estate.

Cuvées by Vilmart & Cie

Importers

Vilmart & Cie is imported by: Best of Wines, MooieProducten.nl.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Vilmart & Cie: Best of Wines, Heeren van Heusden, MooieProducten.nl.

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