Elise Dechannes

History of Champagne Élise Dechannes

The history of the Élise Dechannes estate is that of a return to roots guided by a visceral passion for wine and terroir. Born into a family of Champagne winemakers, Élise grew up to the rhythm of harvests and seasons in the village of Les Riceys. After studying at the École Supérieure de Commerce de Reims and a flourishing career in the banking sector, she felt the call of her roots in 2008. The untimely death of her mother marked a decisive turning point: Élise left finance to take the reins of the family estate.

From the moment she took over, she imposed a bold vision centred on respect for nature and people. Faced with disagreements with her family over viticulture methods, Élise chose to forge her own path. In 2015, she began the organic conversion of her vines, certified organic since 2018 and Demeter (biodynamic) since 2021. Alone at the start, she is today supported by one employee, and her 4.5-hectare estate has become a reference in the Côte des Bar. Her journey, marked by determination and innovation, illustrates her ambition to produce champagnes that tell a story: that of a unique terroir and a committed woman.

Terroirs and Vines of Champagne Élise Dechannes

The domaine Élise Dechannes flourishes in Les Riceys, the largest wine-growing commune in Champagne with its 866 hectares of vines. Located at the extreme south of the region, this terroir shares similarities with that of Chablis, less than 60 km away, thanks to its Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl soils, rich in marine fossils. These soils give the wines a distinctive minerality and a unique aromatic complexity, particularly well suited to Pinot Noir, the king grape variety of the region.

The estate's 4.5 hectares, spread across seven plots, are exclusively planted with Pinot Noir, with a small proportion of Chardonnay. Each plot, with its variations in altitude and soil composition, expresses its own personality, which Élise enhances by vinifying each one separately. Her biodynamic practices, including manual weeding, minimal treatments and selective harvesting, preserve biodiversity and soil health. Élise goes so far as to forgo the use of copper on certain plots, favouring natural solutions such as plant infusions. This approach, which she calls "intuitive winemaking", is based on close observation of her vines, ensuring grapes of exceptional quality.

Winemaking at Champagne Élise Dechannes

Winemaking at Élise Dechannes is a subtle balance between Champagne tradition and innovation. The grapes, harvested by hand, are carefully pressed using a modern 4,000 kg pneumatic press. Fermentation is spontaneous, relying on indigenous yeasts to preserve the authenticity of the terroir. Élise uses a combination of stainless steel vats, used wooden barrels and amphorae in terracotta or stoneware, depending on the cuvée.

The extended ageing on lees for several years gives the champagnes a fine texture and complex aromas. Élise favours minimal dosages, often zero (Brut Nature), to allow the purity of the grapes to express itself. Neither filtered nor fined, her wines retain their raw and natural character. This minimalist approach, coupled with limited use of sulphur, guarantees vibrant champagnes that faithfully convey the essence of Les Riceys.

The Cuvées of Champagne Élise Dechannes

The domaine Élise Dechannes offers a range of champagnes and a still rosé, each reflecting the richness of the Les Riceys terroir. Here is a presentation of the cuvées:

Cuvée Essentielle (100% Pinot Noir)

A luminous straw yellow colour, a fresh nose of citrus, lemon and orange zest. On the palate, a tender, light and tangy attack, with a caressing and enveloping finish. This Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, vinified in stainless steel vat, embodies the purity and vivacity of the Pinot Noir from Les Riceys. Ideal with seafood dishes or aged cheeses.

Cuvée Expression (100% Chardonnay)

Very pale yellow colour, a delicate nose of white flowers (acacia, jasmine) and citrus. The palate, creamy, reveals notes of white fruits and a beautiful length. This fresh and mineral champagne, produced in small quantities, pairs perfectly with light dishes such as grilled fish.

Cuvée Affinité (70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay)

Pale yellow colour with golden highlights, a delicious nose of hawthorn, peony and mirabelle plum. The palate, fleshy and refreshing, offers flavours of white peach and a beautiful length. This Brut Nature combines power and elegance, perfect for accompanying white meats or gourmet dishes.

Rosé de Saignée (100% Pinot Noir)

Light coral colour, an expressive nose of strawberry jam, blackcurrant cream and violet. On the palate, a vibrant character marked by notes of strawberry, nectarine and cherry. This still rosé, emblematic of Les Riceys, is an ideal companion for fruity desserts or spicy dishes.

Cuvée Tradition (100% Pinot Noir, reserve wines)

Straw yellow colour, a powerful nose of ripe fruits, brioche and liquorice. On the palate, aromas of strawberry, raspberry and white peach, with an appetising finish. Available in Brut and Demi-Sec, this cuvée is perfect for festive aperitifs or sweet-and-savoury dishes.

Cœur de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir, Champ Méchain plot)

An elegant nose of white flowers, hawthorn and citrus. The palate, fleshy and creamy, reveals a remarkable minerality and a beautiful expression of Pinot Noir. This single-vineyard champagne, aged in barrel, is a refined choice for special occasions.

Cuvée Chardonnay (100% Chardonnay)

Pale yellow colour, a floral nose of acacia and jasmine, with hints of citrus. The palate, creamy and long, offers a beautiful harmony. Produced in small quantities (1,400 bottles), this cuvée is ideal with refined dishes such as shellfish.

Cuvée Pinot Noir (100% Pinot Noir)

Straw yellow colour, a nose of ripe, lightly jammy fruits. On the palate, notes of vine peach and orange, with a beautiful substance and a long finish. This generous champagne pairs well with rich dishes such as roasted poultry.

Absolue Grès Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

Vinified in a stoneware jar, this confidential champagne reveals a complex minerality and savoury aromas. Perfect for accompanying gourmet dishes or aged cheeses.

Absolue Terre Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

Aged in a terracotta amphora, this single-vineyard champagne highlights the singularity of the Les Riceys terroir. Its fruity notes and savoury texture make it a unique choice for connoisseurs.

L'Alpha & L'Oméga (Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature)

Drawn from a solera of several vintages, this evocatively named champagne offers an aromatic richness and depth ideal for complex gourmet dishes.

The domaine Élise Dechannes is a hidden gem of the Côte des Bar, where passion, authenticity and ecological commitment are expressed in every bottle. With its Brut Nature champagnes and its Rosé des Riceys, Élise redefines Champagne excellence by highlighting the singularity of the Les Riceys terroir. Her cuvées, at once elegant and powerful, captivate lovers of exceptional wines and connoisseurs in search of unique tasting experiences. Purchase the wines of Élise Dechannes at the best price and let yourself be carried away by the finesse and complexity of these artisan champagnes, true ambassadors of an exceptional terroir.