Champagne Yann Alexandre

Champagne house in Courmas, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Courmas
Region: Montagne de Reims
Cuvées in the guide: 6

Champagne‌ Yann Alexandre is an independent wine estate in Courmas, in the north-east of the Montagne de Reims, run by Yann and Séverine Alexandre. The house is known for its pure, characterful champagnes with low dosages and long ageing on the lees.

History

The Alexandre family has had vineyards in Courmas since the 18th century. While ancestors in the 19th and early 20th centuries mainly sold wine to merchants, Gaston and Marcel Alexandre started their own champagne production in 1933. Yann Alexandre returned to his native village in 1999 after studies in oenology and agronomy, and founded his own brand. The estate is now run by the eighth generation of winegrowers.

Vineyards and Terroir

The estate manages approximately 6 hectares spread over 30 plots in nine villages, including Courmas, Bouilly, and Vrigny.

Grape varieties: The vineyard consists of 50-45% Meunier, 35% Chardonnay and 15-20% Pinot Noir.
Age: The average age of the vines is 25 years, with older vines that are carefully maintained.
Certification: The viticulture is HVE Level 3 (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certified and has been organically certified since 2020, with grassed-over ground and no use of herbicides.

Working Methods

Yann Alexandre takes a precise, natural approach:

Vinification: Each plot is vinified separately in 40 different tanks and oak barrels.
Ageing: Long ageing on the lees; at least 5 years for the basic Brut, 7 years for the Réserve, and 10 years for the Millésime.
Techniques: Wine is handled by gravity (no pumps), with partial alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in oak barrels.
Dosage: Relatively low dosages, with a special Brut Nature (Roche Mère) without added sulphur, launched in 2015.

Champagnes and Cuvées

The portfolio includes various classics and rare cuvées:

Brut Noir: The base champagne, with 5 years of ageing.
Roche Mère Brut Nature: A 100% Chardonnay cuvée without added sulphur.
Blanches Terres Rosé Premier Cru: A rosé of 94% Chardonnay and 6% Pinot Noir.
Blanc de Blancs Millésimé: Made from 100% Chardonnay, partly fermented in oak barrels.
Cuvée Vinothèque: A special blend of 32 different vintages, with high Chardonnay dominance.
Sous les Roses Blanc de Noirs: A blend of Pinot Noir and Meunier from Courmas.

The champagnes are praised for their freshness, complexity and suitability with spicy dishes and seafood.

Cuvées by Yann Alexandre

Yann Alexandre Blanches Terres Rosé Premier Cru

Rosé · Extra Brut · 96% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Noir

Chardonnay-dominant Premier Cru rosé, base 2021.

Yann Alexandre Brut Noir

Blend · Brut · 45% Meunier, 40% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir

Blend of 100% reserve wines aged four to five years, tirage 2022.

Yann Alexandre Courmas 2018 Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs · Extra Brut · 2018 · 100% Chardonnay

Blanc de blancs from three parcels in Courmas.

Yann Alexandre Grande Réserve Premier Cru

Blend · Extra Brut · 50% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay, 5% Meunier

Premier Cru blend from Coulommes-la-Montagne and Villedommange, base 2018.

Yann Alexandre Roche Mère Brut Nature

Blend · Brut Nature · 45% Meunier, 40% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir

Zero-dosage blend based on the 2020 harvest with 40% reserve wines.

Yann Alexandre Sous-les-Roses 2018 Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Noirs · Extra Brut · 2018 · 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier

Blanc de noirs from Pinot Noir and Meunier.

Importers

Yann Alexandre is imported by: Best of Wines.

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