Pierre Gimonnet & Fils
Summary
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils is a family-owned grower-producer in Cuis managing 28 hectares across the Côte des Blancs' chalky soils, specializing exclusively in Chardonnay-based champagnes from their grand cru and premier cru vineyards. Their winemaking combines temperature-controlled fermentation and extended lees aging with traditional methods focused on terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils traces its origins to 1750 when Pierre Gimonnet established the house in the village of Cuis. The domaine remains family-owned, with brothers Didier and Olivier Gimonnet directing operations since the 1990s. Didier manages winemaking and viticulture while Olivier oversees business operations. Under their leadership, the house has maintained its dedication to Chardonnay-based champagnes, building on the foundation established by their grandfather Pierre and father Michel.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine encompasses 28 hectares of vineyards, predominantly situated across premier and grand cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. Their holdings include parcels in Cramant and Chouilly (both grand cru), alongside significant premier cru plantings in Cuis. The vineyards are planted exclusively to Chardonnay, with an average vine age exceeding 30 years. The chalk-rich soils typical of the Côte des Blancs define these sites, with excellent drainage and mineral content that particularly suits Chardonnay cultivation.
Philosophy & Practice
Gimonnet's winemaking approach centers on preserving vineyard character through specific technical choices. All fermentations occur in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The house deliberately avoids malolactic fermentation to maintain natural acidity. Base wines age on lees for a minimum of 30 months, exceeding the legal requirement. Reserve wines, critical to their non-vintage cuvées, are preserved in stainless steel tanks rather than wood to maintain precision and purity. Each decision in the cellar aims to express the distinctive characteristics of their Côte des Blancs terroir.