Vilmart & Cie
History and Background
Champagne Vilmart & Cie, situated in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, France, was founded in the late 19th century by Désiré Vilmart. The estate is known for its exceptional champagnes, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Under the current management of Laurent Champs, Vilmart & Cie has maintained a strong commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices, earning it a prestigious reputation among Champagne producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Vilmart & Cie's vineyards are located in Rilly-la-Montagne, in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, covering approximately 11 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly chalk and limestone, providing excellent drainage and a steady supply of moisture. This mineral-rich soil contributes to the complex flavor profiles and freshness in the wines.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, producing premium sparkling wines that reflect the unique terroir characteristics. These varieties are known for producing fine, elegant, and structured Champagnes that exhibit a perfect balance of acidity and richness.
The vineyards of Vilmart & Cie are uniquely characteristic due to their sustainable cultivation methods, including avoiding the use of herbicides. This approach not only enhances the quality of the soil but also ensures the health of the vineyard ecosystem, contributing significantly to the distinctiveness and high quality of their wines.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Vilmart & Cie is celebrated for producing Champagnes that merge intricate layers of richness with vibrancy, typically showcasing aromatic profiles of green apple, citrus, and brioche. Purity and finesse are cornerstones for each bottle, reinforced by a specific body that balances creamy textures with crisp, clean finishes. This begets a sparkling wine renowned for both its depth and refreshing nature.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Vilmart & Cie operates under a guiding principle that champions minimal intervention to accurately reflect the characteristics of their vineyards. Utilizing a unique approach in Champagne, the winery blends modernity with tradition, notably fermenting and aging their wines in oak barrels - a practice not universally adopted in the region. Their commitment to bypassing malolactic fermentation keeps the wines' acidity intact and enhances their longevity.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The integration of barrel fermentation and aging delivers a dual benefit of adding subtle spice and vanilla nuances, while also rounding out the wine’s structure. By controlling every aspect of viticulture and adopting sustainable practices without certification, Vilmart & Cie ensures both environmental respect and premium product quality. The strategic blend of tradition (aging wines on their lees) and advanced vineyard management significantly shapes their distinctive style – one that is characterized by elegance, depth, and exceptional cellar potential.
Reputation
Vilmart & Cie has established a stellar reputation as a distinguished producer within the Champagne region. The house was founded in 1890 by Désiré Vilmart, and today it is lauded for its precise, meticulously crafted wines. One of the unique aspects of Vilmart & Cie is its status as a "grower champagne," meaning that the wine is produced by the same estate that owns the vineyards where the grapes are grown. This contrasts with many larger Champagne houses that source grapes from multiple growers across the region.
Vilmart & Cie has consistently invested in quality by using oak barrels for fermentation, a practice not commonly adopted by many other Champagne producers who typically rely on stainless steel tanks. This oak aging imparts nuanced complexity and texture to the wines, distinguishing their products with creamy richness and aromatic depth. Under the leadership of Laurent Champs, the current owner and a descendant of the founder, Vilmart has continued to emphasize sustainable viticultural practices. The estate avoids the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers, aiming instead to preserve the natural health and biodiversity of the soil.
These practices, combined with their limited production scale, contribute to Vilmart & Cie's prestige and the high regard in which their Champagnes are held among connoisseurs. Their commitment to quality over quantity, alongside their distinctive winemaking approach, sets them apart in the densely populated Champagne marketplace.
Final Thoughts
Vilmart & Cie, established in 1890 in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, stands out as a premier boutique Champagne house, especially renowned for producing high-quality, artisanal champagnes with a remarkable richness and complexity that rival some of the most prestigious labels. Notably, Vilmart has been a trailblazer in sustainability, adopting organic practices long before they became a trend in the wine industry. Under the stewardship of Laurent Champs, the fifth-generation custodian, Vilmart has avoided the use of herbicides and insecticides since 1989, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility. Their champagnes, often fermented and aged in oak barrels, uniquely combine the opulence and depth of barrel influence with the precision and energy typical of the finest Champagnes. This method has distinguished Vilmart & Cie not just as a producer of exquisite sparkling wines but also as a leader in refined viticulture and winemaking practices, contributing to their acclaimed international reputation among connoisseurs and critics alike.