Champagne Fleury: The Wine Range
Champagne Fleury stands out in the Champagne region for its commitment to organic and biodynamic agricultural practices. The domaine adheres to Ecocert standards and holds Demeter and Biodyvin certifications, emphasizing sustainability in both vineyard management and winemaking. This focus on biodynamics complements a tradition of meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques, resulting in a diverse range of Champagnes.
Blended Champagnes (BSA)
Blended champagnes, or “Brut Sans Année (BSA),” form the core of Champagne Fleury’s offerings. These wines primarily feature Pinot Noir and integrate base wines from the current harvest with reserve wines aged in casks. This approach ensures consistency while showcasing the character of the Fleury terroir.
Key Cuvées
Blanc de Noirs Brut
Originally created in 1955 by Robert Fleury, this cuvée underwent a rebranding in 2010. The wine’s production incorporates a perpetual reserve system, akin to the Solera method, blending vintages in large casks. It is aged “sur lattes” for four years before release. The wine is crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, with a blend of 75% 2017 vintage and 25% reserve wines. Malolactic fermentation and careful aging enhance its profile, with a dosage of 4.9 g/l.
Fleur de l'Europe Brut Nature
This cuvée holds the distinction of being the first biodynamic Champagne. It blends 85% Pinot Noir with 15% Chardonnay, combining 58% 2015 vintage wine and 42% reserve wines. The production employs both thermoregulated tanks and oak barrels for fermentation, with reserve wines aged in oak tuns. The wine has been produced without dosage for over a decade, aligning with the domaine's commitment to purity.
Rosé de Saignée Brut
Produced using the saignée method, typically associated with red wine production, this cuvée consists of 100% Pinot Noir. The grapes undergo short maceration before pressing, ensuring a balance of color and structure. The 2017 vintage forms its base, sourced from 30-year-old vines. It is vinified in thermoregulated tanks with a dosage of 2 g/l.
Cépages Blancs 2011 Extra Brut
This wine is composed entirely of Chardonnay, a less common grape in the southern Champagne region. The 2011 harvest was vinified equally in thermoregulated tanks and oak barrels. The wine reflects the influence of nearby Chablisienne terroir and is finished with a residual sugar level of 2 g/l.
Notes Blanches 2015 Brut Nature
A mono-varietal cuvée made from Pinot Blanc, this wine pays homage to the lesser-known grape’s historical significance in Champagne. Sourced from 25-year-old vines in the Charme de Fin and Valverot plots, it undergoes vinification in stainless steel (60%) and oak barrels (40%). The wine is bottled without dosage.
Robert Fleury 2008 Extra Brut
Named after the grandfather of the current generation, this cuvée combines Pinot Noir (29%), Chardonnay (36%), and Pinot Blanc (35%). It is crafted from the estate’s oldest vines, averaging 40 years of age. The production employs natural fermentation with wild yeast and aging in 228-liter oak barrels. Fermentation under cork with staples ensures traditional refinement. A dosage of 2.7 g/l balances the wine.
Bolero 2008 Extra Brut
Previously known as “Millésimé,” this cuvée shifted to a pure Pinot Noir expression in 2004. It features grapes from parcels such as Charme de Fin, Côte de Champraux, and Montégné. Vinified in both thermoregulated tanks (70%) and oak barrels (30%), the wine undergoes fermentation under cork with “agrafe.” It is released without dosage.
Sonate 2012 Extra Brut
This cuvée exemplifies biodynamic principles applied in the cellar. The fourth vintage vinified without sulfites, it includes Pinot Noir (78%) and Chardonnay (22%) from 35-year-old vines. Select plots like Côte de Champraux and Valprune yield grapes for this precise and unadulterated wine, crafted without dosage.
Variation 2015 Brut Nature
A rarity in Champagne, this cuvée is composed entirely of Pinot Gris, planted in 2010 and harvested in 2015. Vinified without sulfites, it spent five years aging before release. This biodynamic wine underscores the domaine’s dedication to exploring unique expressions.
Still Wines (Coteaux Champenois)
Coteaux Champenois Blanc 2018
This still white wine represents Fleury’s first foray into this category. Crafted from 100% Pinot Blanc harvested in 2018, the wine is aged in a combination of terra-cotta amphorae and oak barrels for 12 months. Only 1,160 bottles were produced, highlighting its rarity.
Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2018
Expressing the domaine’s proximity to Burgundy, this still red wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir. The 2018 harvest underwent a 12-day maceration and 12 months of barrel aging. A total of 2,552 bottles were produced.
Coteaux Champenois Rosé
This rosé combines three vintages—2017, 2018, and 2019—to create a balanced and fresh expression. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the wine is aged in a solera system for 24 months before bottling. Its limited production includes 1,500 bottles.
Conclusion
Champagne Fleury’s range reflects a dedication to biodynamic principles, thoughtful blending, and respect for traditional methods. The domaine’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident across its sparkling and still wines, offering a nuanced perspective on Champagne’s potential.