Champagne Les Monts Fournois Vallée originates from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a neighboring village of Aÿ, located on the Marne River, south of the Montagne de Reims. The majority of the vineyards are situated on south-facing slopes, primarily planted with Pinot Noir. Mareuil is widely regarded as the finest premier cru village.
Domaine Les Monts Fournois Vallée is a Premier Cru Champagne from Aÿ and the Vallée de la Marne, showcasing a remarkable blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, and 10% Meunier. This Extra Brut Champagne highlights the domaine’s dedication to extended cellar aging, with an impressive 75 months spent maturing before disgorgement in September 2022, timed on a fruit day for optimal energy. The dosage is 5.6 g/l, balancing freshness and depth. Crafted from a solar plot in a south-facing vineyard in the Marne Valley, this Champagne captures a ripe, fruity character with flavors of prune, apple, Mirabelle, and yellow fruits, complemented by a hint of exotic fruit and a distinctive salty finish. Its vinification in tank preserves the purity of fruit, resulting in a wine that is powerful yet approachable. With a production of only 5,000 bottles, Domaine Les Monts Fournois Vallée is a testament to precision and patience, offering a Champagne of exceptional richness and accessibility.
Domaine Les Monts Fournois is an exciting new venture born from the evolution of the Bérêche family’s Champagne legacy. Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche, renowned for their exceptional wines, have shifted their focus to their core holdings, spinning off their vineyards in Les Monts Fournois to establish this new estate. The domaine is now under the skilled leadership of their cousin, Juliette Alips, whose impressive experience includes working with G.D. Vajra, Roederer, and Château Latour. The vision for Domaine Les Monts Fournois includes producing both Coteaux Champenois and Champagnes, with the first Coteaux vintages already crafted and awaiting future release. While the inaugural Champagnes from the estate are still a few years away, the domaine is in a transition phase, offering the Cote series of négociant Champagnes originally introduced by the Bérêche brothers. This new chapter reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. The domaine is focusing on in-house operations, such as bottling and disgorging, to ensure full control and elevate quality. With this thoughtful approach, Domaine Les Monts Fournois promises to be a shining example of innovation and tradition in Champagne’s evolving landscape.