An Oenological Gem in the Côte des Blancs
Starting from Paris and crossing the Marne Valley, we reach Épernay, then continue south to Avize, a village renowned for producing high-quality Champagne and considered, alongside Cramant, the most historic Grand Cru of the Côte des Blancs. The landscape is dominated by vineyards almost entirely dedicated to Chardonnay, climbing the steep slopes of the coteaux, extending up to the edges of the surrounding woods and offering a multicolored panorama in winter.
Starting from Paris and crossing the Marne Valley, we reach Épernay, then continue south to Avize, a village renowned for producing high-quality Champagne and considered, alongside Cramant, the most historic Grand Cru of the Côte des Blancs. The landscape is dominated by vineyards almost entirely dedicated to Chardonnay, climbing the steep slopes of the coteaux, extending up to the edges of the surrounding woods and offering a multicolored panorama in winter.
The secret to this excellence lies in the soil, characterized by outcroppings of chalk and limestone, the legacy of an ancient sea that once covered the region. These marine sediments are now mainly composed of "belemnite" chalk, formed from the fossilized remains of marine organisms that once populated these waters. Over millennia, their skeletons compacted to create this distinctive terroir. The soil is rich in iron oxide and clay, endowing the wines with pronounced acidity, vibrant minerality, and complex citrus and fruit notes. These elements result in wines that are more austere but well-balanced, expressing concentration and elegance in the glass.
A, Grape, Art, “Agrapart”
409 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Avize, France
“Champagne Agrapart et Fils” is a historic domaine founded in 1894 by Arthur Agrapart in Avize. The latest heirs, brothers Fabrice and Pascal, carried on this century-old tradition until Fabrice — thanks to the technical skill and mastery he had acquired over time — decided to establish his own estate, marking the beginning of an innovative project.
This new chapter remains firmly rooted in the core values and meticulous attention to detail that have always defined the estate. Today, under his own label, Fabrice celebrates the purity and elegance that characterize Champagne from the Côte des Blancs.
Agrapart tells a story of art, grape, and terroir, symbolized by the three A’s that make up its name and its “AAA” brand: Amour (Love), Amitié (Friendship), Action. Love begins in the vineyard, among the rows of vines, and culminates in the creation of cuvées, a true symphony of flavors that finds its peak in sharing, a symbol of joy.
The domaine is a dynamic and captivating world that embodies the spirit of Friendship, collaboration, conviviality, and respect, where every decision is guided by ethical values, passion, and concrete Actions aimed at achieving environmental sustainability and protecting nature.
5.30 ha in Avize, Oger, Cramant, Oiry, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Bergères-lès-Vertus and Mont Aimé
The commitment to excellence begins in the vineyards, where ecological and biodynamic practices are followed. Grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, a minimal intervention approach is adopted. Each plot is vinified separately to highlight the distinctive character of every parcel. The cuvées are masterfully blended with expertise and savoir-faire, and extended ageing on the lees adds depth and complexity to the Champagnes.
Agrapart’s vision also embraces the creation of a fully sustainable production facility, using renewable energy and eco-friendly practices. This initiative marks the beginning of a new path of growth and cultural enhancement, which will take shape in the new production site and a center dedicated to wine tourism, located in the historic Augé-Colin building in Avize.
The first phase of this transformation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This extraordinary space will include a boutique hotel, a gourmet restaurant, a members-only wine club, and a venue for events and exhibitions. With cutting-edge design by renowned artist Carsten Höller, this project will blend contemporary aesthetics with Agrapart’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
Atoma
First cuvée to be released on the market this year, representing the DNA of Champagne Agrapart.
- 100% Chardonnay
- 50% base 2022, alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in 10 hl vats, from the Grand Crus of Avize, Cramant, Oger, Oiry, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
- 50% Réserve Perpétuelle started in 2020, aged in 20 hl foudres
- Full malolactic fermentation
- No fining, no filtration, no cold stabilization
- Tirage: July 2023
- Ageing: 16 months on the lees
- Disgorgement: November 2024
- Dosage: 0 g/l
On the nose, it opens with a citrusy and floral bouquet, evoking notes of tropical fruit, loquat, and white cherry, enriched by delicate nuances of aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is enveloping, with dried fruit, walnuts, and black cherry adding complexity and depth. The saline finish lends a touch of elegance, leaving a sensation of freshness and persistence. Gourmet.
Pit Stop and Fast Repair at “Le Recommandé”
13 rue Saint Dorothée, 51190 Avize, France
13 rue Saint Dorothée, 51190 Avize, France
After visiting Agrapart and strolling through the village, discover Le Recommandé, a tasting bar in Avize perfect for an aperitif or a lunch break. Located in the town’s former post office, this charming spot offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties.
Champagne DE SAINT-GALL: the strength of unity
7 rue Pasteur - 51190 Avize, France
7 rue Pasteur - 51190 Avize, France
Champagne DE SAINT-GALL is a producer that combines artisanal savoir-faire with cooperative strength. Founded in 1966, it is now part of UNION CHAMPAGNE, a group of 15 cooperatives across 13 villages, covering 1,258 hectares — 90% of which are classified as Grand Cru or Premier Cru — spanning the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne.
The modern winery in Avize, inaugurated in 2013, is the beating heart of production.
Here, under the expert guidance of Cédric Jacopin, cuvées of great technical precision are crafted, the result of meticulous parcel-by-parcel work and a Réserve Perpétuelle that began in the 1980s.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to delve into the technical and stylistic approach of the Maison, exploring some of its most representative cuvées: from the classic elegance of the Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru to the purity of the Extra-Brut Grand Cru, and the structure and complexity of the vintage ORPALE wines. The expressiveness of Pinot Noir stands out with character in the So Dark cuvée, while the perpetual reserves and long-term winemaking choices define a style that is sober, measured, and highly precise.
A tasting that reveals the deep soul of a Maison capable of speaking with the voice of the collective, without ever losing its identity.
The full story of the cuvées we tasted is available in the “Tastings” section of Champagne chez Moi.
Tags: Expérience Avize, Fabrice Agrapart, Champagne De Saint-Gall, Cédric Jacopin