Champagne Augustin

In vineyards each individual plot of land has its own characteristics. As a result standardised actions have no place in the Augustins' daily operations. They live with nature, taking the time to understand it better. The vineyards are located in the commune of Avenay Val d'Or, east of Epernay on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims where Pinot Noir is the predominant varietal, and on Vertus, some 22 kilometres further south in the Côte des Blancs, where Chardonnay reigns supreme. Both of these regions have Premier Cru status. The winery has been Demeter-certified since 2016.

They are fortunate to own land that has hardly come into contact with chemicals, because as far back as the 1970s and later Marc's father already refused to apply the fertilisers and herbicides that were used ubiquitously. Marc and Emmanuelle therefore had the best fundamental conditions for switching to biodynamic agriculture, especially as this philosophy deeply corresponds to their own inclinations and convictions.

The result is exceptional champagnes. For example, the grapes are harvested by hand on so-called 'fruit' or 'flower' days, which are determined by the lunar cycle. In the cellar, Marc leaves the process to alchemy. At most he provides the vessel: instead of the usual cold, hard Inox steel he uses enamelled tanks, amphorae or barrels made of local wood.  Every action, whether in the house, in the vineyard or in the cellar is intended to be a positive one that leads to harmony and balance throughout the production operations and in the final product.