Jacques Selosse

History of Domaine Jacques Selosse

The history of Domaine Jacques Selosse is that of a visionary family that transformed Champagne through its boldness and commitment. Founded in 1949 by Jacques Selosse in Avize, a renowned village on the Côte des Blancs, the estate was born from a passion for viticulture despite non-winegrowing origins. Jacques, established in 1947, began by selling his grapes to négociants before vinifying his first bottles in 1964, initially producing 2,500 flasks while maintaining financial security through sales to houses such as Louis Roederer and Lanson.

It was with the arrival of Anselme Selosse, Jacques's son, in 1974 that the estate underwent a revolution. Trained in oenology in Beaune in Burgundy, where he absorbed the techniques of estates such as Coche-Dury, Leflaive and Comtes Lafon, Anselme took over the reins in 1980 with his wife Corinne. He innovated radically: reducing yields, adopting agrobiological practices in the 1990s, then biodynamics in 1996, before moving away from them in 2002 to embrace an approach inspired by permaculture and the Japanese philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka. His motto, "Primum non nocere" ("first, do no harm"), reflects a respectful viticulture in which man is at the service of nature. Twice awarded winemaker of the year by La Revue du Vin de France and named best winemaker in France by Gault Millau in 1994, Anselme has inspired an entire generation of winegrowers.

In 2011, the couple acquired the hotel-restaurant Les Avisés, enriching the experience around the wines. Guillaume Selosse, Anselme's son, joined the estate in 2012 and took over its direction in 2018, perpetuating the legacy while bringing his own personal touch. Open-minded and ambitious, Guillaume ensures a smooth transition, maintaining the confidential production and excellence that make Domaine Jacques Selosse an essential Champagne estate.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Jacques Selosse

The terroir of Domaine Jacques Selosse is rooted in the chalky and marly soils of the Côte des Blancs, which lend the wines a saline minerality and a unique chalky texture. Extending over 8.3 hectares divided into 54 plots, almost all classified Grand Cru, the vineyard benefits from a heritage of old vines with an average age of over 55 years, some dating back to 1922. This maturity ensures exceptional root depth, encouraging grapes rich in identity.

Chardonnay dominates with 7.3 hectares, planted mainly in Avize, Cramant, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, offering floral, mineral and fruity expressions. Pinot Noir, covering 1 hectare with approximately 9,500 vines, is found in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (Premier Cru at 99%) and Ambonnay, bringing structure and spice. Viticulture, influenced by agrobiological practices, biodynamics and then permaculture, aims to minimise interventions: no chemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides. Inspired by the forest as an ideal ecosystem, Anselme and Guillaume practise a respectful "harvesting" approach, with yields limited by severe pruning and Champenoise vine density. The manual harvests at optimal ripeness, often late, sometimes incorporate a hint of botrytis for added complexity. This living terroir produces wines of rare purity, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a wine purchase rooted in Champenoise authenticity.

Vinifications of Domaine Jacques Selosse

Winemaking at Domaine Jacques Selosse is an art of revelation, true to the philosophy of non-action: "To do nothing is to accept no longer being the master, but the servant of nature." The juices, obtained from gentle pressings, are vinified plot by plot in Burgundian barrels (228 L), with a low proportion of new wood (less than 20%) to avoid over-marking the wines. Spontaneous fermentations use indigenous yeasts, with no or minimal settling, and the total lees are kept in suspension by bâtonnage. Malolactic fermentation is neither forced nor prevented, allowing the wine to evolve naturally.

Ageing lasts 8 to 12 months on fine lees, followed by meticulous blending. For certain cuvées, a solera or perpetual reserve system educates young vintages through older ones, erasing annual variations in favour of terroir. Dosage is minimal, often zero, and sulphur is used sparingly, sometimes absent until bottling. Manual disgorgement is carried out to order, with ageing on laths of 3 to 10 years. This natural process produces subtly oxidative, vinous and flavourful wines. These methods guarantee complex cuvées that faithfully reflect the terroir and artisanal winemaking.

The cuvées of Domaine Jacques Selosse

The cuvées of Domaine Jacques Selosse offer blends and single-vineyard wines that sublimate the terroir.

Initial 

Iconic cuvée, brut blend of three successive vintages of Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant and Oger. Aged 3 years on laths, it reveals a floral, mineral and fruity bouquet, with a ripe and saline palate. Annual production of approximately 33,000 bottles.

Version Originale (V.O.) 

Extra-brut non-dosé, from three older vintages of the upper slopes of Avize, Oger and Cramant. With 42 months of ageing, it offers purity, straightforwardness and subtle oxidative notes.

Millésimé

The expression of a single vintage, extra-brut blanc de blancs from Avize (initially two plots, expanded since 2007). Produced only in great years (such as 1996, 1999, 2002...), it captures the chalky depth and aromas of apple and gingerbread, with great ageing potential.

Substance 

Anti-vintage in solera since 1986, pure Chardonnay from Avize. Complex and rich, with saline and oxidative notes, it embodies the essence of the terroir, produced at 3,000 bottles per year.

Rosé 

Brut rosé blend, predominantly Chardonnay with 6% Pinot Noir from Ambonnay. Powerful and persistent, with aromas of red fruits and citrus, it offers remarkable vinosity (approximately 6,000 bottles).

Exquise 

Sec dosed at 22–25 g/L, Chardonnay from Oger. Airy and indulgent, it captivates with its well-balanced generosity.

The Lieux-Dits collection (since 2010) offers six single-vineyard cuvées, often in mini-solera:

Les Carelles (Mesnil-sur-Oger, 100% Chardonnay): Fresh and elegant, with chalky notes (3,000 bottles).

La Côte Faron (Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir): Powerful and spicy, oxidative (600 bottles).

Le Bout du Clos (Ambonnay, 80% Pinot Noir / 20% Chardonnay): Suave, powerful and fresh (2,000 bottles).

Les Chantereines (Avize, 100% Chardonnay): Energetic, with white fruits and length (600 bottles).

Sous le Mont (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir): Structured, on a chalky hillside (low production).

Chemin de Châlons (Cramant, 100% Chardonnay): Fine and mineral, close in style to Les Chantereines (600 bottles).

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Also discover our Blog article, Domaine Selosse: An Exceptional Grower Champagne for more information!