Avize Experience: "The Art of Fabrice Agrapart and the Mastery of Champagne DE SAINT-GALL"

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.

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.

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.

 First cuvée to be released on the market this year, representing the DNA of Champagne Agrapart.

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.

🔗 Learn more about Agrapart Avize at:
 🌐 www.agrapartavize.com

Pit Stop and Fast Repair at “Le Recommandé”
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.

🔗 Learn more about Le Recommandé at:
 🌐 www.lerecommande.fr

Champagne DE SAINT-GALL — Quality, Sustainability, and Mastery
7 rue Pasteur - 51190 Avize, France

Champagne DE SAINT-GALL is a symbol of excellence in the creation of high-quality cuvées, fully reflecting the essence and distinctive character of its historic 1972 brand, thanks to a team of highly skilled producers.

Founded in 1966, UNION CHAMPAGNE is now an alliance of 15 cooperatives located across 13 villages, covering a total of 1,258 hectares. Ninety percent of their vineyards are classified as Grand Cru (including Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Aÿ) and Premier Cru (including Vertus, Bergères-lès-Vertus, Cumières), spanning the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims, and the Vallée de la Marne.

Headquartered in Avize, UNION CHAMPAGNE DE SAINT-GALL combines tradition and modernity with a strong spirit of cooperation and shared goals. Each cooperative ensures the supply of grapes from the best terroirs in the region, and the wines are crafted in the cuverie inaugurated in 2013 in Avize, using vinification methods tailored to the specificities of each plot.

The liqueur is a Réserve Perpétuelle that began over 40 years ago, in the 1980s, in stainless steel tanks. An unmatched understanding of Chardonnay and deep expertise in Pinot Noir define this remarkable production.

Thanks to the skill of Chef de Cave Cédric Jacopin and the savoir-faire with which he blends the cuvées, Champagne DE SAINT-GALL comes to life. The company embraces ecological practices to protect the environment. Every step of the process — from vine cultivation to Champagne production — is carried out with a strong focus on sustainability.

The goal is to ensure a bright future for both the land and the community, combining innovation, respect for nature, and tradition — essential values to preserve and keep alive a unique heritage.

On the nose, the aromas unfold in a harmonious and sophisticated bouquet with fruity, citrusy notes and a delicate floral touch. On the palate, it offers a full and enveloping sensation, with sweet spices, marshmallow, and a surprising mineral freshness. The mousse is creamy. A soft and velvety texture enhances every sip.

On the nose, smoky notes, hints of yeast and citrus. On the palate, it is clean, with vibrant minerality. Full and bold, the mousse is enveloping. A naked and authentic expression of an Extra Brut Chardonnay.

On the nose, it reveals an elegant and fresh aromatic profile, with notes of lemon, citrus, white flowers and toasted hints. On the palate, it is vibrant, smooth, and linear, with full body and strong character. Fine perlage. Well-defined acidity, powerful and mineral, with a long and harmonious finish.

On the nose, aromas of pear, apple, and citrus notes of orange and lemon zest emerge. Exotic fruit, toasted almond, and refined tertiary notes are also perceived. On the palate, the sip is fresh, fruity, creamy, and mineral, with good structure. Elegant perlage. Long and persistent finish.

A radiant Chardonnay. On the nose, citrus and candied lemon aromas stand out, enriched by an intriguing smoky note. On the palate, it reveals a full and concentrated structure, with hints of dried fruit and almond, evolving quickly into buttery and toasted nuances. Its complexity is expressed through lively acidity that blends harmoniously with seductive creaminess, leading to a long, mineral, and pleasantly persistent finish. Fine perlage anticipating tasting excellence.

Golden in color. On the nose, complex and sophisticated aromas of citrus and candied lemon are accompanied by hints of dried fruit and delicate toasted notes. On the palate, it offers lively freshness and remarkable length, creating a lasting tasting experience. Its essence lies in Chardonnay, which gives the wine a mineral, vertical character and vibrant tension. Enveloping perlage. Balanced, it expresses the elegance and refinement of an exceptional Champagne.

🔗 Learn more about DE SAINT-GALL at:
🌐 www.de-saint-gall.com

Tags: Expérience Avize, Fabrice Agrapart, Champagne De Saint-Gall, Cédric Jacopin