Champagne William Saintot

Champagne house in Avenay-Val-d'Or, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Avenay-Val-d'Or (Premier Cru)

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Founded

1918

Cuvées in the guide

10

Champagne​‌​ William Saintot is an independent family business based in Avenay-Val-d'Or (Vallée de la Marne), active since 1918 and currently led by the fifth generation, Morgann Trebutien. The estate specialises in Pinot Noir (85% of the planting) and is known for its artisanal, terroir-faithful approach.

History and Family The family history began in 1918 with Firmin Saintot, who worked as a horse coachman for Champagne Leclerc Brillant. His son Clément became a winegrower, and his son William (since the 1940s-50s) started his own nursery for phylloxera-resistant grafts. In 1995 Henri and Nathalie took the helm and in 2000 they built a modern pressing centre. Since 2008 the estate has been led by Morgann Trebutien (viticulture/vision) and his sister Gwenn (until 2016, now in her husband's wine business), with mother Nathalie and son Morgann forming the core as Vignerons Indépendants.

Vineyards and Terroir The estate owns 10.27 hectares of vineyard, mainly classified Premier Cru, spread over Avenay-Val-d'Or, Mutigny, Bisseuil and Champignol-lez-Mondeville. The grape varieties are 85% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay, 2% Meunier and 1% Petit Meslier. The slopes have a south-south-easterly exposure, ideal for the ripening of Pinot Noir. The estate is certified HVE level 3 and has practised organic farming (AB) on 1.15 hectares since 2022.

Working Methods and Philosophy William Saintot follows a minimal-intervention philosophy with respect for the environment (no weedkillers, limited copper/sulphur). The vinification takes place largely in oak barriques (85%) using spontaneous fermentation by indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is often deliberately avoided in order to preserve freshness. The estate works plot by plot with strict selection and also supplies grafted plants to fellow winegrowers in France and Italy.

Champagnes and Cuvées The house produces sixteen cuvées, including:

• La Tortelue (Prestige)
• La Côte de Chignon (Parcellaire)
• Prôle
• Trilogie
• Blanc de Noirs
• La Roseraie
• Meunier de mes grands-pères
• Millésime (e.g. 2018)

Visits and tastings are possible on site at 4 Rue Charles de Gaulle, with tours of the cellars and tastings of several cuvées.

Cuvées by William Saintot

Importers

William Saintot is imported by: Selected by Dronk.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying William Saintot: Selected by Dronk.

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