A Mosaic of Terroirs
Located in Mardeuil, near Epernay, in the Champagne area, the estate of Vincent Charlot is a mosaic of 39 different small plots, with diverse soils and exposures.
To highlight the specific characteristics of each plot, he vinifies them separately.
This approach leads to the production of various distinct cuvées, with quantities ranging from a single barrel (~300 bottles) to 5,000 bottles per wine.
This method contrasts with large-scale blending, focusing instead on the specific identity of each parcel.
A Philosophy of Nature
Vincent Charlot manages his vineyard according to the principles of biodynamics. Currently, a small percentage of the Champagne vineyard is farmed biodynamically. He makes his own compost and preparations and cultivates most of the plants he uses.
Understanding the Terminology
Here is a brief overview of the different agricultural methods:
- SUSTAINABLE: Sustainable agriculture focuses on minimizing environmental impacts while ensuring economic viability. It allows for a pragmatic approach, using environmentally sound practices.
- ORGANIC: An organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or artificial chemical fertilizers.
- BIODYNAMIC: Biodynamics is a holistic view of agriculture. It considers the farm as a self-sustaining organism. The concept implies taking into consideration the interactions between the soil, the plants, and the environment.
- NATURAL: Natural wine is generally understood as wine from organic or biodynamic grapes, processed with minimal intervention (often implies no added sulfites and native yeasts).
- VEGAN: Vegan wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents (such as egg whites or casein).
Biodynamics in Practice
Vincent Charlot follows the recommendations of biodynamics to maintain the soil ecosystem.
He focuses on the restoration of the soil, fauna, and flora.
The presence of vegetation and grassing is a key element. It prevents soil erosion, provides shelter for biodiversity, retains moisture, and produces natural organic matter.
The Role of Soil Life
A healthy soil ecosystem involves mycorrhizal fungi, which create a network connecting plants and soil.
This network supports the root system, aiding in water and nutrient absorption.
Biodiversity in the vineyard includes various plant species, which indicates a preserved environment.
Winemaking Process
In the cellar, the grapes are harvested manually at maturity. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts found on the grapes. The wines spend about 9 months on lees in barrels (3 to 5 years old) to avoid excessive wood tannins. Bottling is followed by a long maturation period on lees, ranging from four to eight years. Most cuvées are Extra Brut (low dosage, no more than 4 grams per liter).
Terroir Expression
Vincent Charlot aims to produce wines that reflect their origin.
- Chalk soils: Associated with mineral notes and salinity.
- Clay soils: Tend to produce wines with more body and structure.
- Flint soils: Often linked to specific aromatic notes (smoky or gunflint).
Benchmarks
- Location: Mardeuil, near Epernay, Champagne, France.
- Vineyard area: 4.4 hectares spread over 39 plots in 6 villages.
- Management: Certified organic and biodynamic.
- Soils: Chalk, clay, flint, sand, limestone.
- Main varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and ancient varieties (Arbanne, Petit Meslier).
- Annual production: Approx. 30,000 bottles.
- Winemaking: Separate vinification of parcels to showcase the diversity of soils.
Written by Dr. François-Xavier ROLAND-GOSSELIN
Master of History – University of Rennes II
PhD in linguistics and comparative literature – University of Angers – France
Wine Consultant @ BACCHUS GLOBAL
”เนื้อหาบนหน้านี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อให้ข้อมูลและความรู้เท่านั้น และไม่มุ่งหมายเพื่อการส่งเสริมหรือการโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ ผู้เข้าชมต้องมีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ”