|
|
|
Must-See Châteaux |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Between tradition and innovation in the Montagne de Reims
Champagne Hugues Godmé is an exceptional Champagne house rooted in the Champagne tradition and oriented towards innovation. Located in the prestigious village of Verzenay, at the heart of the Montagne de Reims, this family estate stands out for its deep commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Through meticulous work and respect for nature, Hugues Godmé succeeds in crafting refined Champagnes, rich in aromas and of great finesse. With vines spread across the villages of Verzenay, Verzy, Villers-Marmery, and Ville-Dommange, each cuvée expresses the unique characteristics of its terroir.
The history of Champagne Hugues Godmé dates back to the 1930s, when Hugues's ancestors began cultivating vines on the slopes of Verzenay. It was in 1978 that Hugues officially joined the family estate, bringing with him a vision of excellence and a desire to preserve the authenticity of Champenois traditions while adopting more environmentally respectful practices.
In the 2000s, faced with the harmful effects of the chemicals traditionally used in vineyards, Hugues began to question the impact of these substances on both his health and the health of his land. This reflection led him to gradually transition towards organic practices from 2006, before taking the step towards biodynamics in 2011. In 2013, the estate officially obtained organic certification, followed in 2014 by a biodynamic certification. Today, the Hugues Godmé house perpetuates this heritage by producing exceptional champagnes, the fruit of an alchemy between respect for the terroir and family expertise passed down from generation to generation.
Champagne Hugues Godmé extends across approximately 7.5 hectares of vineyards spread over four villages of the Montagne de Reims: Verzenay, Verzy, Villers-Marmery and Ville-Dommange. These iconic Champagne terroirs, composed primarily of chalk, limestone and clay, lend the champagnes a unique mineral structure and a beautiful aromatic complexity.
Verzenay and Verzy: These Grand Cru classified villages are the birthplace of Pinot Noir. The chalky soils and northerly climate produce wines with a slender profile, marked by a fine acidity and a firm structure, even in the warmest vintages.
Villers-Marmery: Classified Premier Cru, this terroir is primarily dedicated to Chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety of Champagne. The chalk of Villers-Marmery yields wines of remarkable finesse, with floral notes and a subtle minerality.
Ville-Dommange: This terroir, also classified Premier Cru, is primarily planted with Pinot Meunier. This grape variety contributes to the roundness and indulgence of the estate's wines, adding fruity notes and aromas of ripe fruit.
Each plot is tended with care and in accordance with natural rhythms. Natural ground cover, ploughing and the exclusive use of composts and plant-based preparations promote biodiversity and soil health, allowing the vines to flourish fully and reveal the full richness of their terroir.
The vinification of Champagne Hugues Godmé is a meticulous process in which every step is designed to respect the typicity of the terroir and the grape variety. The harvests are carried out manually to ensure a rigorous selection of the bunches, and each plot is vinified separately in order to preserve the unique expression of its terroir.
Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, without fining or filtration. The juices are pressed on the estate and vinified in stainless steel tanks, cement vats or neutral oak barrels, in order to preserve the aromas and freshness of the grapes. Malolactic fermentation is carried out naturally, without intervention, allowing the wines to develop a harmonious structure and aromatic complexity. In the cellar, Hugues Godmé champagnes age on lees for an extended period, ranging from 30 months to more than 10 years depending on the cuvée, for a fine effervescence and a silky texture.
The Hugues Godmé house offers a varied range of champagnes, from brut cuvées to vintage champagnes, as well as prestige cuvées. Each bottle reflects the estate's expertise and the essence of the Montagne de Reims terroirs.
Les Terres d'Unions Premier Cru Extra Brut
A blend of the four principal terroirs, this cuvée expresses the full diversity of the estate's soils. The absence of dosage or Extra Brut dosage reveals the purity and elegance of the wine.
Blanc de Noirs Verzenay et Verzy
A Champagne crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir sourced from the Grand Cru villages of Verzenay and Verzy. This wine is characterised by a firm structure and a pronounced minerality, with aromas of red fruits and an exceptional length on the palate.
Montagne de Nord
Crafted from the estate's old vines, this champagne is aged primarily in oak barrels for a complex and profound profile. Chalky notes and a silky structure characterise this elegant and refined wine, recommended for special occasions.
Extra-Brut 1er Cru Réserve
Sourced from the vines of Verzenay and cultivated according to the principles of organic farming, this champagne symbolises the excellence and commitment of the estate. Produced without filtration and with a minimum of sulphites, it offers a fresh and mineral profile, with aromas of white fruits and flowers.
The Hugues Godmé house also offers a limited range of single-varietal champagnes, including a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Meunier. These rare cuvées, bottled without dosage or as Extra Brut, highlight the unique character of each grape variety and its terroir.
For lovers of terroir champagnes, the Montagne de Reims and its surroundings offer a wealth of interesting champagnes. Here are a few renowned producers who also deserve the attention of connoisseurs: Pierre Deville, Benoit Marguet, André Beaufort, A. Lambot, Eric Rodez, De Sousa, Vilmart, Egly Ouriet…
Champagne Hugues Godmé embodies Champenois excellence and refinement, combining tradition and innovation to produce unique champagnes. Its commitment to biodynamics and respect for the environment lends its wines a rare authenticity and a profound character, testament to a passion passed down over several generations. Each cuvée from the estate is an invitation to explore the richness of the terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, offering champagne lovers an incomparable palette of flavours and aromas.
COLLECTION NEAR PARIS & VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS
Free collection in our warehouse near central Paris (92)