Cedric Bouchard
Summary
Cedric Bouchard operates his tiny 2.5-hectare Roses de Jeanne estate in Champagne's Côte des Bar, crafting primarily Pinot Noir-based Champagnes from Kimmeridgian limestone soils similar to those found in Chablis. His revolutionary approach includes single-vineyard, single-variety, single-vintage bottlings produced with dramatically reduced yields, indigenous yeasts, lower pressure, and no blending—creating terroir-focused wines that have redefined possibilities within the traditionally blend-oriented region.
Heritage & Leadership
Cedric Bouchard established his Champagne house in 2000 under the name "Roses de Jeanne" in the Aube region (Côte des Bar) of southern Champagne. Before founding his own label, Bouchard worked at his father's estate, gaining valuable experience in viticulture and winemaking specific to the region. His background also includes time as a sommelier in Paris, providing him with perspective on fine wine service and appreciation before returning to Champagne to produce his own wines.
Bouchard maintains personal oversight of his operation, producing wines under both the "Roses de Jeanne" and "Inflorescence" labels. His entry into Champagne production represented a departure from conventional regional practices, as he chose to focus exclusively on single-vineyard, single-variety, and single-vintage expressions rather than the blended approach traditionally associated with the region.
Vineyards & Wines
Bouchard's vineyards are located in the Côte des Bar area of the Aube, the southernmost part of the Champagne region. His holdings include several small parcels totaling approximately 2.5 hectares, with key vineyard sites including "Les Ursules," "La Haute-Lemblée," and "La Bolorée." The terroir features predominantly Kimmeridgian limestone soils, geologically similar to those found in nearby Chablis.
The vineyard portfolio supports production across three main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. Most of Bouchard's wines are Blanc de Noirs produced from Pinot Noir, though he also creates distinctive expressions from other varieties. His "La Bolorée" cuvée stands out as a rare Blanc de Blancs made from Pinot Blanc, an unusual choice in Champagne where Chardonnay typically dominates white productions.
Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately to preserve its distinct character, with Bouchard maintaining a strict policy against blending across sites or vintages. This approach results in a collection of wines that express the specific characteristics of individual terroirs within the Côte des Bar.
Philosophy & Practice
Bouchard's winemaking philosophy centers on transparent expression of terroir through minimal intervention. He implements exceptionally low yields in the vineyard, often limiting production to 20-30 hectoliters per hectare, significantly below regional norms. This practice concentrates flavor in the grapes and forms the foundation of his quality-focused approach.
In the cellar, Bouchard conducts primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks using only indigenous yeasts. He generally avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve the natural acidity and freshness of the wines. After fermentation, the wines typically age on lees for 2-3 years before disgorgement.
A distinctive technical aspect of Bouchard's production is his decision to bottle his Champagnes with lower pressure than is standard—4.5 atmospheres instead of the typical 6. This reduced pressure creates a softer, finer mousse that allows the subtle characteristics of the wine to emerge more clearly.
Bouchard operates as a Récoltant-Manipulant (RM), the designation for grower-producers who make wine exclusively from their own vineyards. This classification aligns with his philosophy of maintaining complete control over all aspects of production from vineyard to bottle, ensuring consistency with his vision for site-specific Champagne.