August 2025 will be remembered for an unprecedented speed of ripening
In just a few days, sugar levels rose by more than 2° per week — something never seen before! All around us, winegrowers grew nervous, rushing to get ready for harvest. The harvest was even officially authorized in the Côte des Blancs as early as August 26th. But behind this race, tasting the berries told another story. The grapes, still green, lacked aromatic depth. No golden, translucent skins, which signal full maturity. So we waited. Day after day, we tasted dozens of berries. We finally began at the very start of September.
Small but beautiful
While quality is there, quantity came as a surprise. All over Champagne, Chardonnay volumes are disappointing. The bunches are beautiful but light, almost airy. The reason? A slight cold spell at the end of May, right in the middle of flowering, reduced the weight of the bunches. On top of that, the dry spring had already put the vines under stress. Fortunately, our living soils, managed through organic and biodynamic practices, retained enough moisture to protect the vines. Later-ripening Pinots flowered under better conditions. They represent only a small part of our vineyard (just 5%), but they brought some nice surprises. Good potential for maceration of our rosé de saignée, and a promising harvest from our old Pinot Noir vines (65 years old) dedicated to our Coteaux Champenois Rouge.
Towards a great vintage
The harvested grapes showed good, balanced sugar levels and perfect sanitary condition. The musts already reveal strong potential. Indigenous fermentations, which started naturally in our foudres and barrels, are now well under way. Everything points towards a high-quality vintage.
Georges, Arthur, Pierre & Sophie