Vilmart & Cie

Although the Montagne de Reims is particularly rich in Pinot Noir, the Vilmart-Champs family favors Chardonnay, which accounts for 60% of the estate’s 11 hectares of vineyard plots. Over the years, the Vilmart house has developed a strong, distinctive identity, and the quality and finesse of its wines are now widely recognized. All its cuvées are vinified exclusively in wood—a combination of old Alsatian oak casks and newer barrels—giving the wines their distinctive character, fruitiness, roundness and finesse. The absence of malolactic fermentation is another hallmark of Vilmart’s white champagnes. This preserves their freshness, tension, finesse and distinctive aromas. After 10 months of vinification in wood, the wine is bottled and spends 3 to 4 years in the estate’s chalk cellars for non-vintage cuvées, and 5 to 8 years for vintage Champagne. Three cuvées stand out in the Vilmart range. The Champagne Grande Réserve cuvée, made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, is aged for 10 months in oak casks, does not undergo malolactic fermentation and has a dosage of 9 grams. Its golden-blond color hints at a mature wine dominated by Pinot Noir. With its fine bubbles, this intense cuvée opens with aromas of biscuit, ripe wheat, pear and cherry. The nose then grows fuller and more complex, revealing delicate notes of iris, oak and white pepper. With air, notes of melted butter and toast emerge, marking the wine’s harmonious development. Fine mineral notes add complexity and depth, balancing the aromas of fruit, biscuit, bread, butter, minerals and spice. The Champagne Vilmart Grand Cellier cuvée, made from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, offers enticing toasted notes of candied lemon, bergamot and grapefruit, accompanied by floral notes of honeysuckle and lilac and a creamy touch of fresh butter. The wine also expresses spicy notes of ginger and lemongrass; despite its appealing sweetness, it remains remarkably easy to drink. With air, notes from its development and aging emerge and enrich the whole: the nose is complex, refined and full of character, while the creamy, harmonious texture is supported by fine acidity that carries the wine throughout the tasting. The finish is clean, long and slightly mineral, with delicate citrus bitterness that leaves an impression of a lively, vigorous wine. The Champagne Vilmart “Grand Cellier millésimée” cuvée stands out for its exceptionally elegant, airy, floral, springlike nose and, on the palate, notes of candied pineapple, cardamom and white pepper. It is mature, complex and full of personality. The wine continues to evolve in the glass, developing aromas of cinnamon and gingerbread. Its vinous character comes through in its richness and oak notes: this is a fine gastronomic Champagne.

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