Jacquesson
History and Background
Champagne Jacquesson, founded in 1798 in the Dizy region of Champagne, France, is one of the oldest Champagne houses. The estate is known for its exceptional grower champagnes, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Jacquesson's commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices has earned it a prestigious reputation among Champagne producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Jacquesson's vineyards are located in the Champagne region of France, covering approximately 31 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly chalky, providing excellent drainage and maintaining a cool subsoil temperature. This contributes to the development of complex and finely structured wines that express depth and freshness characteristic of the area.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, producing sparkling wines that reflect the unique terroir characteristics. The combination of these grape varieties and the mineral-rich soils results in champagnes with refined elegance and distinctive mineral notes.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Jacquesson's wines are celebrated for their precision, balance, and nuanced complexity. Typically, these Champagnes exhibit a refined effervescence and a rich, textured mouthfeel. Flavor profiles commonly feature apple, pear, and citrus, alongside brioche and almond notes, derived from extended lees aging. The minerality and acidity are pronounced, lending a crisp finish that adds to their sophistication and appeal.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Jacquesson adheres to a meticulous winemaking philosophy centered around showcasing the distinctiveness of its vineyards. The producer champions low-intervention methods to better reflect the natural character of the terroir. Each parcel is vinified separately, and interventions are kept to a minimum, aiming for the purest expression of the grapes. Emphasis is also placed on achieving optimal maturity and balance in the vineyard before harvest, which is always conducted by hand.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Jacquesson's distinctive style and high quality are direct results of both their innovative approach in the cellar and rigorous standards in the vineyard. The house practices reduced yields through careful vine management, enhancing grape quality and concentration. They are known for their unique approach to non-vintage Champagne, creating a new "cuvée" each year that best represents the preceding vintage rather than seeking a consistent house style. This approach, coupled with long aging on lees and minimal dosage, ensures that each bottle of Jacquesson offers a unique, expressive, and high-quality experience that captures the essence of its vintage and terroir.
Reputation
Jacquesson is a highly respected champagne house, renowned for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to quality. Originally founded in 1798, Jacquesson has a long history of innovation — it reportedly created the first modern-style champagne with a metal cork wire, and was once considered one of the greatest champagne houses of the 19th century. Its reputation in contemporary times stems largely from its transformation under the leadership of the Chiquet brothers, Jean-Hervé and Laurent, who took over the family business in the late 20th century.
One of Jacquesson's unique and most lauded practices is its "700" cuvée series. Unlike many producers who strive for a consistent house style through non-vintage champagnes, Jacquesson focuses on highlighting the individuality of each vintage. The "700" cuvées are numbered sequentially, beginning with ‘728’, and represent a blend designed to express the character of a particular year while still maintaining high quality. This approach signifies a shift away from non-vintage consistency, to an emphasis on uniqueness and terroir expression, which has significantly contributed to their prestige.
Furthermore, Jacquesson practices a level of meticulousness in their vineyard management and winemaking that is akin to many top estate-focused producers. They have a commitment to low yields, optimal ripeness, and sustainable agriculture. Their efforts extend into the cellar, where intervention is minimized to ensure that the wines are natural expressions of the grapes and the vintage. They also focus heavily on each cuvée's development, frequently aging them longer than the industry standard to achieve optimal complexity and depth.
Their rigorous approach to production, and the subsequent quality of their champagnes, not to mention their shift towards single-vineyard champagnes which further their exploration of scrutiny and showcase their commitment to terroir distinctiveness, makes Jacquesson stand out among the plethora of champagne producers. This, combined with their historical legacy and ongoing innovation, cements Jacquesson’s reputation as a prestigious and avant-garde wine producer in the Champagne region.
Final Thoughts
Jacquesson, revered as one of Champagne's most distinguished and innovative producers, stands out for its commitment to crafting exceptional champagnes that truly reflect their origins. Established in 1798, Jacquesson has a storied history, including being a supplier to Napoleon. What sets them apart in the modern era is their pioneering approach to viticulture and vinification, notably their decision in the 2000s to focus intensively on single-vineyard champagnes and their unique "700" series, which eschews the conventional non-vintage model in favor of creating a distinct and expressive cuvée each year based on the quality and character of the harvest. This approach not only showcases their adaptability and commitment to quality but also highlights their role in pushing the boundaries of traditional champagne production. Jacquesson's practices, like limiting yields, using a high proportion of reserve wines, and fermenting in large oak casks, underscore their dedication to both innovation and respect for terroir, helping them cultivate a prestigious and influential reputation in the world of fine wines.