Vilmart Champagne

Vilmart & Cie is a hidden gem in the world of champagne, located in the quaint village of Rilly-la-Montagne, nestled at the foot of the Montagne de Reims. This family-owned business has been creating some of the finest champagnes since 1890, thanks to the visionary Désiré Vilmart. Over the decades, Vilmart & Cie has been passed down through five generations, each adding their own unique touch to both the vineyard and the champagne it produces.

The location of Vilmart’s vineyards is quite special. Spread across 11 hectares, all classified as Premier Cru, these vineyards are in the Rilly-la-Montagne area. What makes these vineyards stand out is not just their prestigious classification but also the care with which the vines are tended. The vineyards boast a mix of varietals, unusual for the region, with 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. This balance is a distinctive feature of Vilmart & Cie, reflecting their commitment to quality and uniqueness.

Vilmart’s farming practices are as noteworthy as their wines. The estate has embraced environmentally friendly viticulture, earning certifications for High Environmental Quality and Sustainable Viticulture. They follow the Ampelos charter, which means no chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides are used. This approach not only shows respect for nature but also ensures the health of their vineyards for generations to come. The average age of the vines is 35 years, with some of the oldest vines, which are 60 years old, used exclusively for their premium Coeur de Cuvée and Blanc de Blancs champagnes.

The wines of Vilmart & Cie, including the renowned Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier, are a reflection of their dedication to crafting unique expressions of their terroir. These champagnes are celebrated for their quality and complexity, a result of patient and consistent work. Laurent Champs, the current caretaker of the Vilmart legacy, upholds these values, emphasizing patience, consistency, and humility in his winemaking process. Under his guidance, the house has continued to thrive, with over half of its production exported to around 30 different countries.

Vilmart & Cie produces a variety of champagnes, all made from grapes grown in their Premier Cru vineyards. The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, along with the careful, environmentally conscious farming practices, allows Vilmart to create champagnes that are not only delicious but also sustainable. From the refreshing champagne fr to the exquisite Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier, each bottle tells the story of the Vilmart family’s dedication and passion for champagne making.

This dedication to excellence has been a hallmark of Vilmart & Cie since its inception. The winery’s resilience is exemplified by its recovery and growth following the devastation of the Second World War. Today, Laurent Champs, with the help of his son Thomas, continues to innovate while honoring the tradition and legacy of his ancestors. Their approach to winemaking is a blend of intuition, precision, and a touch of freedom, ensuring that each bottle of Vilmart champagne is a celebration of their rich history and the vibrant future ahead.

In essence, Vilmart & Cie stands as a testament to the power of family, tradition, and sustainable practices in the creation of extraordinary champagnes. It’s a place where the past and present merge, creating a future where the champagne reflects the love and respect for the land from which it comes. So, when you open a bottle of Vilmart champagne, you’re not just tasting a fine wine; you’re experiencing the heart and soul of Rilly-la-Montagne, captured in every bubble.