We’re now in Pinot Noir territory and you’ll find Delavenne Père et Fils in heart of Bouzy, within the Montagne de Reims. It’s currently in the hands of Jean-Christophe Delavenne, and good hands they are too; these wines are now found in Michelin starred restaurants all over Europe.
The wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from 100% grand cru vineyards, all of which are their own. Intervention really is minimal here - no herbicides, natural fertilisers, no malolactic fermentation to keep freshness and length, no fining. All of the grapes are hand-picked and the NV cuvée is usually a blend of just two (rather than three) vintages. Vinification is in stainless steel before longer than required ageing in bottle. No oak whatsoever. Jean-Christophe does, however, practise something quite unusual in the vineyard. He is one of the first people in Champagne to use lithotherapy. A mix of crystals is crushed and sprayed as an elixir throughout their vineyards with dramatic effect on vine health and fruit quality. Jean-Christophe believes he was healed from a serious ailment by the use of this same crystal blend.
The resulting Champagnes are vinous, crystalline with lots of character, great fruit purity and big potential for ageing. They achieved organic status recently after years of sustainable practice and the estate is going from strength to strength.
