Champagne Fleury: Meet the Grower
Champagne Fleury is a historic name in French winemaking. From grafting the first French Pinot Noir onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock nearly a century ago to leading the adoption of organic and biodynamic farming practices in the Aube during the late 1980s, Fleury has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in Champagne.
A Legacy Rooted in the Côte des Bar
The Fleury story began in 1895 when Emile Fleury established his estate in the Côte des Bar, the southernmost region of Champagne. Situated on the sun-drenched slopes of the Seine River valley, the vineyards benefited from nutrient-rich clay-limestone soils. Initially, Emile sold his grapes to large Champagne houses, which prized their quality.
When phylloxera, a devastating vineyard pest, swept through Champagne in the early 20th century, Emile became the first grower in the region to graft French Pinot Noir vines onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock from North America in 1901. His success set a precedent for growers throughout Champagne and helped protect the region’s vineyards.
A Bold Move to Winemaking
In the 1930s, faced with an economic downturn and declining demand for grapes, Emile’s son, Robert Fleury, shifted the family business. Instead of selling their harvest, he began producing Champagne from their own grapes. This transition made Fleury one of the first grower-producers in the Aube, establishing a legacy of independence and quality.
Pioneering Biodynamic Practices
Robert’s son, Jean-Pierre Fleury, took the estate in a new direction in the 1980s. Concerned about the environmental impact of chemical farming, Jean-Pierre sought inspiration from books like Silent Spring and his travels to Japan, where he explored sustainable relationships between the earth and sky. In 1989, he became the first grower in Champagne to adopt biodynamic farming methods, including manual tilling and composting. By 1992, the entire 15-hectare estate was certified biodynamic, setting a benchmark for sustainable viticulture in the region.
A New Generation at the Helm
Today, the fourth generation of the Fleury family—Jean-Sebastien, Morgane, and Benoît—continues the tradition of innovation and environmental stewardship. Jean-Sebastien oversees the domaine’s commercial exports and has introduced sulfite-free wines. Benoît focuses on adapting viticulture to the challenges of climate change, while Morgane promotes the family’s Champagnes as a brand ambassador across Europe.
With a rich history of resilience, sustainability, and craftsmanship, Champagne Fleury remains a leader in grower-producer winemaking. Their commitment to the land and their craft is evident in every bottle they produce.