Who makes it
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.
Where it grows
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.
What they make
Fleur de Gaillet is a 100% Chardonnay cuvée from the 2017 vintage, vinified in 350 litre 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.