Why it matters
The producer
Family ownership runs through Champagne J.Charpentier, a producer in Villers-sous-Châtillon whose passion for wine growing passes from generation to generation. Its cellar includes oak tuns, traditional and modern presses, a fermenting room and a disgorging room. Those rooms cover the physical work of sparkling wine production, from pressing and fermentation to the bottle's final disgorging.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Champagne J.Charpentier works from 88 rue de Reuil in Villers-sous-Châtillon, in the Marne Valley region of Champagne. The village and subregion provide the geographic frame, while the named wines separate by grape varieties and colour.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named range includes three cuvées with different grape compositions. Tradition Brut is 100% Pinot Meunier. Réserve Brut is 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir. Prestige Rosé Brut is 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. It combines two to three harvests, remains in the cellar for 36 to 44 months and carries 5.8 g/L dosage, classified as Brut.
Réserve Brut is pale and bright yellow, with thin, crystalline, persistent bubbles. Its bouquet is flowery and delicate, with fruit and spice. Prestige Rosé Brut has a salmon pink colour with bright rosé and thin, plentiful bubbles. Its nose brings English candies and exotic fruits, while the palate is intense, lively and balanced.