Of course it is impossible to discuss all 1.500 Champagne houses of the Côte des Bar. In total there are more than 7.500 hectares of vineyards in the area (about one-third of the total Champagne areal). A fundamental difference between the Côte des Bar and the 150km more northern Reims and Epernay area, is that the Côte des Bar produces a softer and fruity Champagne. The very well known Champagne houses from the north blend the grapes from the Côte des Bar in their Champagne, to give their Champagne a more balanced taste..
Another very specific element from the Côte des Bar is that the Champagne houses from the south are all independant, and work less as subcontractor for the large commercial houses in the north. The fact that there are so many independant professionals in the south, has as effect that competition is higher and therefore do they have to be better, more innovative, more creative,... The end result is that you will find the best Champagnes in the Côte des Bar. Therefore 'passionate professionals'.
Champagne Gremillet
The Champagne house Gremillet is one of the largest in the region. It is young and dynamic in character (bursting with vitality) but still family run. Located in the village of Balnot Sur Laignes, the domain owns three "Appellations", namely AOC Champagne, AOC Rosé des Riceys and AOC Côteaux Champenois Rouge.
Beautiful discoveries await you; Le Clos Rocher (rare in Champagne), an authentic "Cadole" and the arboretum as well as the tasting with an exceptionally beautiful view of the vineyards. The tradition is still present with a passion for entrepreneurship.
Champagne Mercuzot
Located in Essoyes, village of the world-famous painter-family Renoir.
M. Thierry Mercuzot produces Champagnes where every type of soil contributes to the typical taste. The Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay grape are prominent, the Pinot Meunier grape is present in a limited number of Champagnes and provides a rounder taste profile. The landscape with alternating forests and vineyards is absolutely magnificent.
Tasting is possible on the domain, or in the "Boutique", in the picturesque center of the Essoyes, supplemented with some typical local products. The Renoir museum is waiting for your visit!
Champagne Christian Diligent
Winegrowers since 1637, the Diligent family welcomes you to their estate on the banks of the Seine. For centuries, the operation has been based on 'reasoned' and 'responsible'. The Diligent domain distinguishes itself by using the PINOT BLANC grape! A visit to the winery and tasting at the winegrower's house, or on the sunny terrace, are not to be missed :-)
Champagne Jean Luc Carreau
Founded in 1932 by Georges Carreau, then Maurice and now Jean-Luc and his wife Isabelle. Situated in Celles sur Ource, not far from Bar sur Seine. The different cuvées are the fruit of passionate and authentic work, the Rosé de Saignée is 100% Pinot Noir . You are always very warmly welcomed ! Bonne dégustation !
Champagne Jean Josselin
Situated in the village of Gyé sur Seine crossed by the Seine. Father and son have chosen the label « Terra- Vitis » environmental certificate recognized by the State, in respect of nature, men and wines. Old cellars but modern cuveries. The cuvée des Jean 100% Pinot Noir in tribute to Jean Josselin the founder, Jean Pierre and Jean-Félix (grandson). You will be welcomed by the riverside, beautiful terrace and champagnes reflecting style and the local soil.
Champagne Cretol
In Neuville sur Seine, with a superb view of the statue Notre Dame Des Vignes. The vineyard is composed of 6 hectares, 80% in Pinot Noir and 20 in Chardonnay and vines aged between 15 to 35 years old. Jean-Christophe and Hélène insist on the use of traditionnal and natural methods. Welcome with simplicity and a pride in their range.
The » Blanc de Noir » is a subtle and fruity champagne. The « Rosé de Saignée » 100% Pinot Noir, 30 year old vines, lively, red fruits, fresh and elegant.
Champagne Jaques Robin
In Buxières in the Arce valley, 10km from Bar sur Seine. Annie and Jacques start with a few acres of vines in 1973 , and begin champagniser in 1985. The children Aude and Sébastien are slowly taking over. The vineyard is 9 hectares. Tradition obliges, Sébastien works in reasoned culture. They vinify each plot separately, so each of the cuvées is different and produces aromas worthy of the terroir.
Champagne Alain Reaut
In Courteron, one of the last wine villages south of the Aube. Alain Réaut has been growing in Biodynamie since 1992 on an area of 12 hectares. Alexandre, his son, has taken over and in 2019. He will reorganize the domaine commercially but keep the crafmanship of his father in vineyard cultivation and champagne making process. Alain and Alexandre explain with passion how the vine feeds in the soil, the fertile soil, but also the need for air, light and heat. The range of their champagnes will enchant you, come and enjoy (with moderation !)
Domaine Bouhelier
At Chaumont le Bois, Anne and Sylvain welcome you in their winemaker's house of the 17th century. 6 hectares of vines from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape are cultivated there. The "Celtissime" Cuvée Crémant de Bourgogne is sublime and aged in oak barrels of the same village. Anne and Sylvain make the AOC Bourgogne wines, their distillate "Marc de Bourgogne" and even fresh fruit juice! A tasting in the picturesque cellar, and the small 'winemakers' museum' makes everything very warm-hearted.
Chablis Domaine Angst
Céline and Antoine live in Pontigny, the village of the famous Cistercian Abbey, 15 km from Chablis. These young winemakers have been working in 8 hectares of vineyards since 2009. Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru and their "petit bijou": tasting le Chitry Blanc is a Must! Benefit from 2 visits in one; the abbey and a cozy tasting of these super wines.
Domaine Brigand
In the village of Massingy, in Burgundy, Côte d’Or, with Châtillonnais vineyards, Karine and Ghislain welcome you 7 days out of 7. The hills have been planted with vines since 1902 by the family. The "Ampélosis" Museum is there to show you what work the vine, vineyard and vinification process needs to produce the bubbles, the bustling of the "Crémants de Bourgogne", according to traditional methods into a large pallet of Millésimes . You can bring your own picnic basket if desired!
Domaine Bouhelier
At Chaumont le Bois, Anne and Sylvain welcome you in their winemaker's house of the 17th century. 6 hectares of vines from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape are cultivated there. The "Celtissime" Cuvée Crémant de Bourgogne is sublime and aged in oak barrels of the same village. Anne and Sylvain make the AOC Bourgogne wines, their distillate "Marc de Bourgogne" and even fresh fruit juice! A tasting in the picturesque cellar, and the small 'winemakers' museum' makes everything very warm-hearted.
