Why it matters
The producer
Three generations of vine growing came before Julien Prélat became the first in his family to make wine. He founded his own domain in 2000, with Karine Prélat as co proprietor, and grows vines and vinifies wines in Celles-sur-Ource in the Côte des Bar.
The house rejects blending. Each cuvée follows one year of harvest, one plot and one grape variety. Prélat farms sustainably and durably, describing the inherited land as borrowed and cultivating it with that responsibility in mind.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Celles-sur-Ource is a village in the Côte des Bar subregion of southern Champagne. Julien Prélat's vineyard and cellar work are both based there, joining vine growing and vinification in the same village.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named cuvées cover Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, across Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, extra dry and rosé styles.
Presle is a 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs with a pale yellow colour and green hints. It carries white flower notes of jasmine and acacia, white fruit, a silky mouth and a citrus finish.