Champagne CL de la Chapelle

CHAMPAGNE FROM SMALL PRODUCERS IN THE PURE CHAMPAGNE TRADITION

In the Premier Cru village of Ville-Dommange all the winegrowers of Maison CL de la Chapelle cover an area of approximately 30 hectares. Their Champagnes are produced with the three emblematic grape varities of Champagne, namely Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These winegrowers grow their vines on a terroir composed of a predominantly limestone subsoil favouring natural irrigation. The plants grow in a climate with an oceanic and continental influence and a northern latitude. The relief of the slopes on which the vines grow contributes to the sunshine and the drainage of excess water.

In order to produce exceptional Champagnes, the small producers of Champagne CL de la Chapelle carry out each step in the purest Champagne tradition. The work in the vineyards, from pruning to trellising and including de-budding, are mostly carried out manually. To ensure that the grapes are not damaged and arrive intact at the press, the manual harvest is also compulsory in Champagne.

The Champagne production of Maison CL de la Chapelle includes other steps, that respect the Champagne tradition:

• Each cru is pressed separately to preserve the traceability of its origin.
• Blending allows the winemakers to combine up to ten different wines (still wines of the year and exceptional reserve wines). During this stage, they must find the right balance to produce a unique and distinguished Champagne.
• The prise de mousse (formation of bubbles) consists of adding a liqueur de tirage (a liquid solution of yeast, wine and sugar) to start the second fermentation in the bottle.
• Ageing sur latte in the cellars for at least 15 months for non-vintage and for at least 3 years for vintage Champagnes.
• Remuage by means of gyrolettes with a progressive inclination allowing the deposit to rise towards the neck of the bottle before being put upside down.
• The disgorgement consists of adding a dosage (liqueur d'expedition) made of reserve wine and sugar.
• After several months in the cellar, collar, capsule, label and a back label are added.

GROWER CHAMPAGNES

What are the differences between small Champagne producers and big Champagne houses?

DISCOVER

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CHAMPAGNE

The winegrowers of CL de la Chapelle have always aspired to produce ever higher quality Champagnes, while respecting the environment. They are committed to an ecological approach applied to the work in the vines, the production of the Champagnes and the transport of the bottles to the consumer's table. For more than 20 years, this family cooperative has focused on sustainable viticulture. This is reflected in the grassing of the vineyard to protect the soil from erosion and the negative effects of direct exposure to the sun's UV rays, rain and frost.

Thanks to a environmentally friendly method, Champagne de la Chapelle is today double certified. In fact, the vineyard has the HEV (High Environmental Value) certification, which guarantees viticultural practices that respect the natural ecosystem and reduce pressure on the environment.

In addition, the CL de la Chapelle Champagne vineyard also benefits from a VDC (Sustainable viticulture in Champagne) certification. Issued by the Comité Champagne, this certification testifies to the environmental performance of Champagne winegrowers. It is based on the application of the principles of sustainable development in the field of viticulture.