Why it matters
The producer
At Château des Archers in Épernay, Maison Burtin works from a historic site and makes Champagne under the Maison Burtin name. Gaston Burtin founded the house in 1933. During years of abundant harvests, he supported viticulturists by recognising the potential of their grapes, establishing a reciprocal bond of loyalty with grower partners. The house's principle is stated plainly: “Great Champagne begins with great grapes.”
Maison Burtin avoids malolactic fermentation. In sparkling wine, this secondary conversion changes sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid; leaving it out preserves freshness in the finished wines.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Épernay is the home of Maison Burtin, with Château des Archers as the named site of its cellars. Champagne is the regional name for the sparkling wine style, while Brut, Extra Brut, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs describe different expressions within that category.
The house therefore has a clear geographical and stylistic address: Épernay for the base, Château des Archers for the cellars, and Champagne for the wines.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named range includes Guldkula Premier Cru, Delacoste Organic Brut, Guldkula Green Vintage Extra Brut 2015, Hommage à Gaston Burtin Rosé, Hommage à Gaston Burtin Blanc de Blancs 2018 and Hommage à Gaston Burtin Extra Brut.
Guldkula Premier Cru is the entry wine, composed of 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay. Premier Cru is a Champagne classification term, not a sweetness level. The Hommage à Gaston Burtin line includes Brut, Extra Brut, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs. Its Rosé is composed of 53% Meunier, 20% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Noir. Blanc de Blancs identifies a white Champagne made from white grapes.