Chartogne-Taillet: Digging Deep in Merfy

“In the beginning, there was Anselme,” says Alexandre Chartogne, recalling the spark that set him on his path. It was Anselme Selosse who taught him that great wine starts underground—with a deep understanding of terroir.

Back in his hometown of Merfy, Alexandre took that advice literally. He started digging. What he uncovered was a mosaic of soils—marine sands, loess, sandstone, and clay—layered and interwoven in ten distinct ways across his vineyards. These variations aligned with the old climats of Merfy, mapped out centuries ago by Benedictine monks. That historical precision still guides him today.

A Grower Champagne with Burgundian Spirit

Chartogne-Taillet is all about site expression. No herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic inputs. Half the parcels are plowed by horse. Native yeasts do the fermenting, and oak barrels or demi-muids shape the wine. Dosage stays low. The results are intense, mineral-driven Champagnes with depth, structure, and very little reliance on fruit.

Cuvées from individual vineyards are becoming less available, and finding these bottles is no longer easy. Fortunately, its tank-aged Sainte Anne cuvée remains an excellent choice and continues to deliver high quality despite the increase in volumes. There’s no reason to doubt this—even against the backdrop of an increasing number of lieu-dit wines.

12 Hectares, 3 Villages, Endless Character

Based in Merfy in the Montagne de Reims, Chartogne-Taillet farms 12 hectares across Merfy, Saint-Thierry, and Fontaine-Denis. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive here in the chalky, mixed soils—each vineyard shaped by its own microclimate and history.

Sustainability is at the heart of the domaine. Every choice in the vineyard is made to protect biodiversity and let the land speak through the wine.

Our Portfolio from Chartogne-Taillet:

• Sainte Anne Brut

• Les Barres Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

• Heurtebise Blanc de Blancs Brut

• Les Couarres Extra Brut

• 'Chemin de Reims' Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

• 'Hors Serie' Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Champagne Chartogne-Taillet →