Why it matters
The producer
Alexandre Bonnet works from Les Riceys with Pinot Noir at the centre of its range. The house makes wines under Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys. Champagne provides sparkling wine. Coteaux Champenois is still wine, and Rosé des Riceys is still rosé.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
At the far southern edge of Champagne, Les Riceys lies in the Côte des Bar in Aube, in the far reaches of the Laignes valley between Champagne and Burgundy. The appellation names in the range are Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys. The vineyards sit on Kimmeridgian limestone.
Wines to know
The range in view
Champagne Blanc de Noirs is a white sparkling wine made from black grapes, and its saline character persists through the finish. The still wines carry the Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys appellations.
La Géande is a vineyard featuring seven historic Champagne grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay, Blanc Vrai, Buret, Arbane and Petit Meslier.