A favorite of the team during the tasting — a beautiful Champagne with notes of dried apricot, pear, honey, and beeswax, with a toasty touch. The palate is airy, generous, and highly aromatic. Long finish on dried fruits and marzipan. Sublime with langoustines.
Laurent Champs
Laurent Champs has been at the helm of Champagne Vilmart since 1995. He’s the fifth generation in a line of winemakers that began in 1890, when Désiré Vilmart founded the Domaine in Rilly-la-Montagne, at the foot of the Montagne de Reims. Certified HVE and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne, Vilmart’s eleven hectares are planted exclusively in Premier Cru, with a unique split: 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir — quite the paradox in a region largely dominated by Pinot Noir and Meunier! This originality shines through in the wines, thanks to meticulous vinification. As Laurent puts it: “First and foremost, I make wine. Champagne comes afterwards — to my greatest delight.” All fermentations and ageing are done exclusively in oak. Over the years, Champagne Vilmart has carved out a strong and singular identity, now being carried forward by Thomas Champs, who joined the estate in 2020. A beautiful story of legacy and transmission.