Mailly
Summary
Mailly is a grower cooperative founded in 1929 that works exclusively with 70 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards in Mailly-Champagne on the northern slopes of Montagne de Reims, producing Pinot Noir-dominant Champagnes from chalky soils at 150-250 meters elevation. Their meticulous approach includes plot-by-plot vinification, an extensive reserve wine program, and extended aging periods of three to ten years, establishing them as a definitive expression of Grand Cru terroir in the Montagne de Reims.
Heritage & Leadership
Founded in 1929, Mailly is a grower cooperative located in the village of Mailly-Champagne in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, France. The cooperative was established when vineyard owners from the village united to produce Champagne collectively during the economic challenges of that era. Mailly stands as one of only a handful of cooperatives in Champagne with Grand Cru status, as all its vineyards are classified as Grand Cru.
The cooperative structure remains intact today, with approximately 25 grower members who collectively own and manage the vineyards. The organization operates under a board of directors elected from among the member growers, with day-to-day operations overseen by a director and technical team. This collaborative approach has allowed Mailly to maintain consistent quality while preserving the traditions of the village's viticultural heritage across generations of member families.
Vineyards & Wines
Mailly's vineyards span approximately 70 hectares, all situated within the Grand Cru-classified village of Mailly-Champagne. These vineyards benefit from prime positioning on the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, with elevations ranging from 150 to 250 meters. The terroir features the region's characteristic chalky soils, which provide excellent drainage and mineral components that contribute to the distinctive profile of the wines.
The vineyard plantings consist of approximately 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, reflecting the traditional preference for Pinot Noir in the Montagne de Reims area. Many of the cooperative's plots contain vines averaging 30-40 years in age, with some older parcels exceeding 50 years. The cooperative produces several cuvées, including their signature Brut Réserve, vintage offerings, and specialty bottlings such as their L'Intemporelle and Les Échansons prestige cuvées. Each wine showcases the distinctive minerality and structure characteristic of Mailly-Champagne's terroir.
Philosophy & Practice
Mailly's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the unique terroir of their Grand Cru village while maintaining consistency through their cooperative approach. The production process begins with plot-by-plot vinification, allowing the winemaking team to work with a diverse palette of base wines for their final blends. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity of fruit expression.
The cooperative maintains an extensive reserve wine program, with these older wines comprising between 20-40% of their non-vintage blends, depending on the cuvée and vintage conditions. Their standard non-vintage Champagnes typically age on lees for a minimum of three years before disgorgement, significantly exceeding the legal requirement, while vintage and prestige cuvées receive extended aging of five to ten years. This patient approach to maturation develops the complex brioche and toasty characteristics that complement the inherent minerality of their Grand Cru vineyards. The cooperative employs a relatively low dosage across their range, allowing the purity of their terroir to remain at the forefront of the finished wines.