Bonnet Ponson

History of Champagne Bonnet-Ponson  

The history of Champagne Bonnet-Ponson began in Chamery in 1862, when Grégoire Bonnet became one of the region's first grower-producers. Driven by a desire for independence, he decided to make his own wine from grapes grown on his land. This initiative marked the beginning of a family venture that would span generations.

His son Jules Bonnet continued his father's work, expanding the vineyard and installing a 5,500 kg press in 1902, an innovation at the time. After the destruction of World War II, Raoul Bonnet, Grégoire's grandson, built a new cellar to restart production. André Bonnet's arrival, aided by his draft horses, brought a touch of modernity, notably through the introduction of new winemaking techniques.  

In 1957, the marriage of André Bonnet and Monique Ponson marked a key milestone in the estate's history. Together, they founded Champagne Bonnet-Ponson, expanding the vineyard with plots inherited from the Ponson family. Today, under the direction of Cyril Bonnet, a sixth-generation member of the family, the estate strikes a balance between tradition and innovation. Its transition to organic farming, begun in 2013, reflects its commitment to sustainable, environmentally responsible viticulture.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Champagne Bonnet-Ponson  

Champagne Bonnet-Ponson's vineyard covers 10.5 hectares across more than 50 plots in four emblematic Montagne de Reims villages: Chamery, Vrigny, and Coulommes-la-Montagne (classified Premier Cru), and Verzenay (Grand Cru).  

Varied soils and exposures:  

At the foot of the slopes, light, sandy soils favor Pinot Meunier, producing fruity, inviting wines.  

The midslope vineyards, with soils rich in silt and clay, are home to Pinot Noir, producing structured, deep wines.  

The upper slopes, where clay soils are mixed with limestone scree, are ideal for Chardonnay, producing lively, elegant wines.  

Since 2013, all plots have been farmed without insecticides or herbicides. The estate uses natural fungicides such as copper and sulfur, supplemented with preparations made from local plants. This approach preserves the vitality of the soils and vines while minimizing environmental impact.  

The vineyard comprises 3.80 ha of Pinot Noir, 3.30 ha of Meunier, 3.20 ha of Chardonnay, and 0.20 ha of Petit Meslier, an old grape variety recently reintroduced.

Winemaking at Champagne Bonnet-Ponson  

Winemaking at Champagne Bonnet-Ponson relies on gentle, conscientious methods to bring out the purest expression of its terroirs.  

Grapes from each plot are pressed separately to preserve their distinctive character. The musts are then transferred by gravity into settling tanks.  

The estate uses a house-made fermentation starter from its vineyard grapes, limiting the use of commercial yeasts and sulfites. Some of the wines are even made without sulfites, marking a return to natural practices.  

The wines age on their lees in oak barrels, stainless steel tanks, or concrete amphorae, enhancing their aromatic complexity and aging potential.  

Each year, 30 to 40% of the harvest is held in reserve to ensure a consistent house style. After blending, the champagnes rest in the cellar for 3 to 10 years to reach optimal maturity.

The Cuvées of Champagne Bonnet-Ponson  

Extra Brut - Perpetual Cuvée:  

A blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 30% Meunier, this generous cuvée offers aromas of white fruit, candied citrus, and hazelnut.  

Extra Brut Rosé - Perpetual Cuvée:  

A balance of red fruit and spice, thanks to a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 25% Meunier. A touch of red wine from Chamery enhances its character.  

No Dosage - Perpetual Cuvée:  

With a complex palate that pairs beautifully with food, this blend (40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 30% Meunier) reflects uncompromising purity.  

Second Nature:  

Made without sulfites, this cuvée blends 45% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier, expressing a distinctive authenticity.  

Second Nature Maceration Rosé:  

Made from 100% Pinot Noir grown on Premier Cru plots, this rosé reveals remarkable depth and structure.  

The Day:  

A tribute to Meunier from the "Le Jour" plot in Vrigny, this champagne reveals mineral notes and exceptional vibrancy.