Who makes it
Chassenay d'Arce is a cooperative of winemakers based in Ville-sur-Arce in the Côte des Bar. It brings together 130 families and three generations of winemakers across 325 hectares of vineyards. Pinot Noir accounts for 90% of the holdings, with Chardonnay at 7%, Meunier at 2% and Pinot Blanc at 1%.
The cooperative was founded in 1956. It uses reasoned viticulture methods implemented over many years, launched its first vintage from organically farmed grapes in 2019, and became the first Champagne cooperative to achieve Vignerons Engagés certification in 2021.
Where it grows
Ville-sur-Arce is the cooperative's home in the Côte des Bar. The region is part of Champagne, where Pinot Noir is used in sparkling wine alongside Chardonnay and Meunier. Pinot Noir can give sparkling wine body and red fruit, while Chardonnay can give acidity and citrus. At Chassenay d'Arce, Pinot Noir is the dominant vineyard grape, with Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Blanc also planted.
What they make
The named bottles occupy two sparkling categories. Champagne Comtesse de Neples Brut is the Brut bottling. Cuvée Apolline is a demi-sec cuvée made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The range therefore includes a Brut bottle and a two grape demi-sec blend.
Cuvée Apolline demi-sec has aromas of honey, beeswax, flowers, buttery notes, fruit and gingerbread. Its palate combines suppleness, richness and sweetness with freshness.