Eric Rodez
Summary
Champagne Rodez is a nine-generation family estate in Ambonnay, farming 6 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards where Pinot Noir dominates their plantings on the south-facing chalky slopes of Montagne de Reims. Owner-winemaker Eric Rodez, formerly of Krug, applies biodynamic viticulture principles and employs a perpetual reserve system for his Cuvée des Crayères, extending aging periods well beyond required minimums to fully express Ambonnay's distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Champagne Rodez is based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne. The Rodez family has cultivated vines in Ambonnay for multiple generations, with Eric Rodez representing the ninth generation of this winegrowing family. Before taking over the family domain, Eric Rodez gained valuable experience working at Champagne Krug, where he served as an oenologist. This professional background provided him with technical expertise that he later applied to his family's operation.
Eric Rodez assumed leadership of the family estate in the 1980s, continuing the winemaking tradition while implementing his own methodical approach to viticulture and vinification. Under his direction, the domain has maintained its independent, family-owned status, focusing on expressing the terroir of Ambonnay through their champagnes.
Vineyards & Wines
The Rodez estate encompasses approximately 6 hectares of vineyards, all located within the Grand Cru territory of Ambonnay. The vineyards are planted predominantly with Pinot Noir (approximately 70%), complemented by Chardonnay (approximately 30%), reflecting the traditional grape composition of the Montagne de Reims region. The vineyards benefit from Ambonnay's south-facing slopes and chalky soils, which provide excellent drainage and impart mineral characteristics to the wines.
The domain produces several cuvées, including vintage and non-vintage offerings. Their portfolio includes the Cuvée des Grands Vintages, Cuvée des Crayères, Blanc de Noirs, Blanc de Blancs, and Rosé. Each wine is crafted to express different aspects of the Ambonnay terroir, with particular attention to the distinctive character of Pinot Noir grown in this Grand Cru village.
Philosophy & Practice
Eric Rodez employs a methodical approach to winemaking that combines traditional Champagne techniques with precise, modern methods. The domain practices biodynamic viticulture, having received certification for this approach. This farming method emphasizes the health of the vineyard ecosystem and follows the biodynamic calendar for various vineyard operations.
A distinctive element of Rodez's winemaking is his use of a perpetual reserve system (similar to a solera system), particularly for the Cuvée des Crayères. This method involves blending wines from multiple vintages, creating complexity and consistency. The domain utilizes both stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for fermentation and aging, with a portion of the wines undergoing malolactic fermentation based on the specific characteristics of each vintage.
Rodez typically ages his champagnes for extended periods, often exceeding the minimum requirements for their respective categories. This extended aging contributes to the development of complex aromas and flavors. The domain maintains relatively small production volumes, allowing for meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process.