Elise Dechannes

The History of Champagne Élise Dechannes

The story of Domaine Élise Dechannes is one of a return to her roots, guided by a deep passion for wine and terroir. Born into a family of Champagne winegrowers, 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 building a successful career in banking, she felt the pull of her roots in 2008. Her mother’s untimely death marked a turning point: Élise left finance to take over the family estate.

From the moment she took over, Élise pursued a bold vision centered on respect for nature and people. Faced with differences of opinion with her family over viticultural methods, she chose to forge her own path. In 2015, she began converting her vines to organic farming; they have been certified organic since 2018 and Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2021. Initially working alone, she now has an employee, and her 4.5-hectare estate has become a benchmark in the Côte des Bar. Her journey, marked by determination and innovation, reflects her ambition to produce champagnes that tell a story: that of a unique terroir and a committed woman.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Champagne Élise Dechannes

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

The estate’s 4.5 hectares, spread across seven parcels, are planted predominantly with Pinot Noir, alongside a small proportion of Chardonnay. Each parcel has its own character, shaped by variations in elevation and soil composition, which Élise brings out by vinifying them separately. Her biodynamic practices, including hand weeding, minimal treatments and selective harvesting, preserve biodiversity and soil health. Élise even forgoes copper on some parcels, favoring natural solutions such as plant infusions. This approach, which she calls “intuitive winemaking,” rests on close observation of her vines and yields grapes of exceptional quality.

Winemaking at Champagne Élise Dechannes

Winemaking at Élise Dechannes strikes a subtle balance between Champagne tradition and innovation. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully pressed using a modern 4,000 kg pneumatic press. Spontaneous fermentation relies on native yeasts to preserve the terroir’s authentic character. Depending on the cuvée, Élise uses a combination of stainless steel tanks, used wooden barrels, and terracotta or stoneware amphorae.

Extended aging on the lees over several years gives the champagnes a fine texture and complex aromas. Élise favors minimal dosage, often none at all (Brut Nature), to let the purity of the grapes shine through. Neither filtered nor fined, her wines retain their unadulterated, natural character. Combined with limited sulfur use, this minimalist approach produces vibrant champagnes that faithfully express the essence of Les Riceys.

The Cuvées of Champagne Élise Dechannes

Domaine Élise Dechannes offers a range of champagnes and a still rosé, each reflecting the richness of the Les Riceys terroir. Here is an introduction to the cuvées:

Essential Cuvée (100% Pinot Noir)

Bright straw yellow in color, with a fresh nose of citrus, lemon and orange zest. The palate opens softly, with a light tartness, before a gentle, enveloping finish. Vinified in stainless steel tanks, this Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature embodies the purity and liveliness of Pinot Noir from Les Riceys. Ideal with seafood or aged cheeses.

Expression Cuvée (100% Chardonnay)

Very pale yellow in color, with a delicate nose of white flowers (acacia and jasmine) and citrus. The creamy palate reveals notes of white fruit and a lingering finish. Produced in small quantities, this fresh, mineral champagne pairs beautifully with light dishes such as grilled fish.

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

Pale yellow with golden highlights, with an inviting nose of hawthorn, peony and mirabelle plum. The full-bodied yet refreshing palate offers white peach flavors and a lingering finish. This Brut Nature combines power and elegance, making it perfect with white meats or fine cuisine.

Saignée Rosé (100% Pinot Noir)

Pale coral in color, with an expressive nose of strawberry jam, crème de cassis and violet. On the palate, lively notes of strawberry, nectarine and cherry. This still rosé, emblematic of Les Riceys, is an ideal match for fruit desserts or spicy dishes.

Tradition Cuvée (100% Pinot Noir, reserve wines)

Straw yellow in color, with a powerful nose of ripe fruit, brioche and licorice. The palate offers aromas of strawberry, raspberry and white peach, with an appetizing finish. Available in Brut and Demi-Sec, this cuvée is perfect for festive appetizers or sweet-and-savory dishes.

Heart of Noirs (100% Pinot Noir, Champ Méchain parcel)

An elegant nose of white flowers, hawthorn and citrus. The full-bodied, creamy palate reveals remarkable minerality and a fine expression of Pinot Noir. Barrel-aged and sourced from a single parcel, this champagne is a refined choice for special occasions.

Chardonnay Cuvée (100% Chardonnay)

Pale yellow in color, with a floral nose of acacia and jasmine and hints of citrus. The creamy palate lingers, offering a pleasing harmony. Produced in small quantities (1,400 bottles), this cuvée is ideal with delicate dishes such as shellfish.

Pinot Noir Cuvée (100% Pinot Noir)

Straw yellow in color, with a nose of ripe, lightly jammy fruit. The palate offers notes of vineyard peach and orange, with a generous texture and a long finish. This generous champagne pairs with rich dishes such as roast poultry.

Absolue Stoneware Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

Vinified in a stoneware vessel, this small-production champagne reveals complex minerality and savory aromas. Perfect with fine cuisine or aged cheeses.

Absolue Clay Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

Aged in a clay amphora, this single-parcel champagne highlights the distinctive terroir of Les Riceys. Its fruity notes and savory texture make it a distinctive choice for connoisseurs.

The Alpha & The Omega (Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature)

Made from a solera spanning several vintages, this evocatively named champagne offers aromatic richness and depth, ideal for complex fine-dining dishes.

Domaine Élise Dechannes is a gem of the Côte des Bar, where passion, authenticity and environmental commitment shine through in every bottle. With her Brut Nature champagnes and Rosé des Riceys, Élise redefines excellence in Champagne by highlighting the distinctive terroir of Les Riceys. Both elegant and powerful, her cuvées appeal to lovers of exceptional wines and connoisseurs seeking unique tasting experiences. Buy Élise Dechannes wines at the best price and discover the finesse and complexity of these distinctive champagnes, true ambassadors of an exceptional terroir.