September 2007
Champagne : a Photo Journal
Page: - 1 2 3 4 5 next >>

Eric and Isabelle Coulon, of Champagne Roger Coulon, are 'Recoltants-manipulants' (Growers and Producers) at Vrigny, in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne. For 8 generations this family of wine growers has cultivated vines, harvested grapes and produced and sold its own wine. The vineyeard produces 75,000 bottles per year.

The family vineyard of 9 hectares (22.5 acres), is spread over 70 parcels of land in 5 villages. It benefits from a privileged situation on South-east facing slopes and on a sub soil made up of chalk and clay. Grass is grown between the vines on every other row to limit erosion, then cut in the Spring to prevent weed development.

The vines grown are 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and the average age of the vines is 38 years.


The first fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats using natural (rather than selected) yeasts, and the majority of the wines mature in temperature regulated vats. Fermentation proceeds for a month at low temperature. Malolactic fermentation is only used if the wine or the year necessitates it. The wine is then left on the lees for 7 months. The fermenting Chardonnay as well as special reserve wine is aged in small oak barrels for a minimum of 7 months, and is then blended in.

     
September 2007
Champagne : a Photo Journal
Page: - 1 2 3 4 5 next >>

 
 
 
Copyright © 2007, Eric Anderson - All rights reserved
No original material may be reproduced without written consent
Mail & Comments
- Eric Anderson
Last Update 9.19.07