At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Côte des Bar, southern Champagne
- Vineyard scale
- Seven hectares across twelve plots
- Main grapes
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc
- Defining feature
- Kimmeridgian marl soils and plot by plot working methods
The Producer
Florent Douge studied winemaking at Beaune, then worked in Burgundy, Beaujolais, the Var and Sancerre before taking over the family vineyard. In 2016, he began making wines under his family name after the family had sold fruit to local producers.
Florent's approach is Burgundian: each plot is treated individually, and working methods are adapted to the site and the grape variety. The vineyards are primarily planted with Pinot Noir, with smaller plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. The estate was in conversion to organic farming, with certification expected from the 2022 harvest.
Place
Kimmeridgian marl lies beneath the vineyards in the Côte des Bar, the southern region of Champagne. This soil has more in common with Chablis than with the chalk based soils associated with much of Champagne. Marl combines clay and limestone, giving the vines a different physical ground from the chalk focused vineyards farther north. Florent Douge adapts working methods to each plot and variety.
Wines
Fleur de Gaillet is a 100% Chardonnay cuvée from the 2017 vintage, vinified in 350 liter oak barrels. It has a bright golden yellow hue with white gold reflections and generous aromas of juicy yellow fruit, including Mirabelle.
Duodecim is a champagne without added sugar, with marked aromatic complexity and an appetizing finish. Faillet is fruity, fresh and pleasurable. Val Mentra is 100% Pinot Noir. The named wines cover a Chardonnay cuvée, a pure Pinot Noir cuvée, a fruity and fresh bottling, and a champagne without added sugar.
Final Word
Champagne Douge works from Côte des Bar marl, a Pinot Noir led vineyard base and a plot by plot approach adapted to each variety. Its range includes Chardonnay made in oak, pure Pinot Noir and champagne without added sugar.