Pierre Peters
Summary
Pierre Peters is a sixth-generation grower-producer managing 20 hectares of predominantly Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, specializing in Blanc de Blancs Champagnes from chalky soils in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant, and Oger. Their winemaking combines traditional methods with innovation through their pioneering réserve perpétuelle solera system, extended lees aging, and plot-by-plot vineyard management that preserves the distinctive minerality and precision of their terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Pierre Peters was established in 1919 when Camille Peters, originally from Luxembourg, purchased vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne. The estate has remained in family hands through six generations, with each contributing to its development as a premier grower-producer. Currently, Rodolphe Peters represents the sixth generation at the helm, having taken over from his father François in the early 2000s. Under Rodolphe's direction, the house has maintained its traditional focus on Blanc de Blancs Champagnes while implementing technical innovations in the cellar.
The family's deep connection to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger has allowed them to accumulate exceptional vineyard holdings over the decades. Their status as récoltant-manipulant (RM), or grower-producer, distinguishes them from larger houses, as they exclusively produce Champagne from their own vineyards. This approach has positioned Pierre Peters as a benchmark producer within the grower Champagne movement that gained significant recognition in the 1990s and 2000s.
Vineyards & Wines
Pierre Peters manages approximately 20 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. Their holdings are predominantly in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, with additional parcels in Avize, Cramant, and Oger—all classified as Grand Cru villages. The estate is planted exclusively to Chardonnay, reflecting their specialization in Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
The vineyards benefit from the region's distinctive chalky soils, which provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for the vines during dry periods. This chalk-dominant terroir imparts the characteristic minerality and precision found in their wines. Many of their parcels contain older vines, with some exceeding 45 years of age, contributing depth and concentration to the final wines.
Their portfolio includes the "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Blanc de Blancs, the vintage-dated "L'Esprit" Blanc de Blancs, and their prestige cuvée "Les Chétillons," which derives from a specific lieu-dit (named vineyard site) in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Additionally, they produce a rosé Champagne and several limited-production bottlings from specific parcels.
Philosophy & Practice
The cornerstone of Pierre Peters' winemaking approach is their perpetual reserve system, known as "réserve perpétuelle," which began in 1988. This method involves maintaining a solera-like system where a portion of wine from each vintage is added to a master blend that contains wine from multiple previous years. This practice ensures consistency while adding complexity to their non-vintage Champagnes.
In the cellar, fermentation occurs primarily in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit purity. Malolactic fermentation is generally allowed to proceed naturally. The house typically ages their non-vintage Champagnes for three years on the lees before disgorgement, while vintage and prestige cuvées receive extended aging of six years or more.
Rodolphe Peters has implemented precision viticulture techniques, including detailed plot-by-plot management based on soil composition, vine age, and exposition. This meticulous approach extends to the harvest, where grapes from different parcels are pressed and vinified separately to preserve their distinct characteristics before potential blending.
Dosage levels are kept relatively low, typically ranging from 4-7 grams per liter for most cuvées, allowing the purity of the fruit and expression of terroir to remain prominent. This technical precision, combined with their exceptional vineyard holdings, has established Pierre Peters as a reference point for Blanc de Blancs Champagne from the Côte des Blancs.