Elise Dechannes

History of Champagne Élise Dechannes

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

From the moment she took over, she brought a bold vision centered 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. Working alone at first, she is now 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, reflects 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 Élise Dechannes estate flourishes in Les Riceys, the largest wine-growing commune in Champagne with its 866 hectares of vines. Located at the far south of the region, this terroir shares similarities with that of Chablis, less than 60 km away, thanks to its Kimmeridgian argilo-calcareous 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, divided into 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 even foregoes the use of copper on certain plots, favoring 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 of Champagne Élise Dechannes

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

Extended aging on lees for several years gives the Champagnes a fine texture and complex aromas. Élise favors minimal dosages, often nonexistent (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, combined with limited use of sulfur, guarantees vibrant Champagnes that faithfully convey the essence of Les Riceys.

The cuvées of Champagne Élise Dechannes

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

Cuvée Essentielle (100% Pinot Noir)

Luminous straw yellow color, 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 tank, 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 color, 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 color with golden highlights, indulgent nose of hawthorn, peony and mirabelle plum. The palate, fleshy and refreshing, offers flavors of white peach and a beautiful length. This Brut Nature combines power and elegance, perfect to accompany white meats or gastronomic dishes.

Rosé de Saignée (100% Pinot Noir)

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

Cuvée Tradition (100% Pinot Noir, reserve wines)

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

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

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 color, 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 color, nose of ripe fruits with a slightly jammy character. On the palate, notes of vineyard peach and orange, with 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 stoneware jar, this exclusive Champagne reveals a complex minerality and savory aromas. Perfect to accompany gastronomic dishes or aged cheeses.

Absolue Terre Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

Aged in terracotta amphora, this single-vineyard Champagne highlights the singularity of the Riceys terroir. Its fruity notes and savory 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 gastronomic dishes.

The Élise Dechannes estate is a gem of the Côte des Bar, where passion, authenticity and ecological commitment are expressed in every bottle. With her Brut Nature Champagnes and her Rosé des Riceys, Élise redefines Champenoise excellence by highlighting the singularity of the Riceys terroir. Her cuvées, both elegant and powerful, captivate lovers of exceptional wines and connoisseurs in search of unique tasting experiences. Buy Élise Dechannes wines 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.