Ambonnay cooperative Champagne making Grand Cru Brut in a temperature regulated stainless steel cellar.
The producer
Champagne Saint-Réol is a cooperative in Ambonnay, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims known for rich Pinot Noir. Its Grand Cru Brut combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Grand Cru and reserve wines. The cooperative uses a stainless steel cellar with temperature regulation, and its grape supply includes HVE or VDC sustainable agriculture certification. Only a limited share of the grapes is bottled under the Saint-Réol name, while the remainder supplies other Champagne houses.
Known for
Ambonnay Grand Cru Brut
Notable facts
Saint-Réol is based in Ambonnay, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims.
The Grand Cru Brut combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Grand Cru and reserve wines.
The cooperative uses a temperature regulated stainless steel cellar.
The grapes supply both Saint-Réol wines and other Champagne houses.
The story
The 1981 Cellar
In 1981, Saint-Réol built Champagne's first 100% stainless steel temperature regulated cellar. Stainless steel does not add oak flavour during fermentation, while temperature regulation keeps the fermenting wine within a chosen range. Champagne's first fermentation creates a still base wine, and a later fermentation in bottle creates the bubbles, so temperature control belongs to the stage before sparkling character develops. Saint-Réol's cellar joined that technical sequence to stainless steel vessels, creating a neutral environment for fermentation and blending. The cellar manages the heat of fermentation without adding oak character.
From the atlas
Champagne Saint-Réol
Ambonnay cooperative Champagne built around Grand Cru Pinot Noir, temperature regulated stainless steel, and a limited Saint-Réol bottling program.
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Location
Ambonnay, Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims
Producer type
Champagne cooperative working with winegrowers
Grapes in listed wine
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Listed wine
Saint-Réol Grand Cru Brut
Defining feature
Temperature regulated stainless steel cellar and a limited share bottled under Saint-Réol
The Producer
Saint-Réol works with 235 winegrowers in Ambonnay. Its members cultivate 142 hectares and produce a total volume of 15,800 hectolitres. The cooperative produces approximately 80,000 to 100,000 bottles of Saint-Réol branded wine each year.
Only 5% of the total grape harvest goes into wines under the Saint-Réol name. The remaining grapes supply other Champagne houses. Approximately 80% of grape deliveries carry HVE or VDC sustainable agriculture certification, and Saint-Réol has approval for organic pressing and winemaking since 2023.
Place
Ambonnay is a Grand Cru classified village in the Montagne de Reims. Grand Cru is Champagne's highest village classification, placing the village name within the top level of the region's hierarchy. Ambonnay is known for the richness of its Pinot Noirs.
The finest vineyard plots face southeast between 150 and 180 metres above sea level. Southeast exposure affects the timing of sunlight on the vines, while altitude can moderate ripening.
Wines
The Saint-Réol label includes Grand Cru Brut. The wine includes reserve wines. Reserve wines are base wines held from earlier harvests and blended into a later cuvée, adding continuity to the finished Champagne.
The cooperative's broader grape production follows a second route to other Champagne houses, while the Saint-Réol bottlings represent a limited portion of the grapes handled. The house range is therefore defined by a focused Grand Cru Brut alongside a much larger cooperative grape operation.
In The Glass
Saint-Réol Grand Cru Brut has a golden, brilliant colour. Red fruit and peach aromas lead into a powerful attack with richness and roundness balanced by a lemon edged note. Fine, creamy foam carries the wine through a powerful, wine forward finish.
A Bottle To Understand It
Saint-Réol Grand Cru Brut is a listed wine.
Final Word
Saint-Réol joins Ambonnay's Grand Cru village status and Pinot Noir reputation to a temperature regulated stainless steel cellar. Its own wines come from a limited share of the grapes handled by the cooperative, while the remaining harvest supplies other Champagne houses.