R. Pouillon Champagne

Les Châtaigniers is a distinctive single-vineyard Champagne from the village of Festigny, situated on the left bank of the Marne Valley. This parcel lies within the Vallée du Flagot, where calcareous clay soils create an especially expressive terroir for Pinot Meunier.

Produced entirely from Pinot Meunier, the 2019 Les Châtaigniers demonstrates the depth, structure, and refinement this often-underestimated Champagne grape can achieve. The clay-rich soils encourage generosity and texture, while the calcareous component contributes freshness, precision, and a firm mineral backbone.

The vineyard is farmed organically with the same rigorous attention Fabrice Pouillon applies throughout the estate. The fruit is harvested by hand and vinified in oak casks ranging from new barrels to vessels up to ten years old. The wine then rests for approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling and completes malolactic fermentation.

Beginning with the 2019 vintage, Pouillon extended his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon to all of the estate’s Champagnes. Rather than relying on externally sourced sugar during production, the method uses naturally sweet grape juice from the domaine for the secondary fermentation and, when required, for dosage. The objective is to preserve a more direct connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit, and its vineyard of origin.

In the glass, Les Châtaigniers is broad, vinous, and deeply expressive. Aromas of golden apple, quince, ripe pear, and subtle red fruit are joined by floral, herbal, and gently savory notes. Hints of flint, warm spice, toasted grain, and earthy minerality add complexity.

The palate combines the natural roundness of Pinot Meunier with vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Generous fruit and a supple texture are balanced by mineral tension, giving the wine both richness and energy. The finish is long, dry, and layered, with lingering orchard fruit, chalk, spice, and a delicate reductive character.

This is a gastronomic Champagne with enough depth and structure to accompany an entire meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pork, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fried seafood, richer fish preparations, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.

95 Points - WineLens

A complex and distinctive Pinot Meunier Champagne showing apple, quince, herbal and floral notes, with touches of flint and gentle reduction. Medium to full-bodied, it combines excellent freshness and acidity with beautiful roundness, impressive dimension, and a long finish.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Châtaigniers
• Vintage: 2019
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims
• Village: Festigny
• Vineyard: Les Châtaigniers
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Soil: Calcareous clay
• Farming: Organic
• Vinification: Oak casks ranging from new to ten years old
• Élevage: Approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Dosage: Extra-Brut
• Wine Type: Champagne
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Solera Extra-Brut is one of Fabrice Pouillon’s most distinctive and intellectually compelling Champagnes. Created from a perpetual reserve established in 1997, this multi-vintage cuvée is designed to diminish the influence of any single harvest and place the character of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ firmly at the center of the wine.

The blend is composed of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Pinot Noir contributes structure, depth, and vinous power, while Chardonnay brings freshness, lift, and finely defined acidity. Together, the two varieties create a Champagne of remarkable balance, complexity, and energy.

Each year, approximately 30% of the solera is drawn off for secondary fermentation and replaced with 30% wine from the new harvest. This continuous process allows numerous vintages to become seamlessly integrated, adding layers of maturity and complexity while preserving the freshness and vitality of the most recent wine.

From the creation of the solera through the addition of the 2010 vintage, the reserve was aged entirely in stainless steel. It is now maintained in upright oak vessels and undergoes full malolactic fermentation. This evolution in élevage contributes additional texture and dimension without obscuring the purity of the fruit or the mineral character of the terroir.

The result is an electric and terroir-driven Champagne with high-toned aromatics, fresh acidity, and exceptional length. It is light on its feet yet possesses remarkable depth and intensity, continuing to unfold with each sip.

The bouquet opens with aromas of orange zest, ripe pear, apple blossom, fennel seed, and warm brioche. Notes of steeped raspberry, whole-grain toast, honeycomb, spice, and a subtle hint of Timut pepper add further complexity.

On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, bright, and seamless. Its generous fruit and layered texture are balanced by tangy acidity and ample chalky extract. A fine, persistent mousse carries the flavors across the palate, while the Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, precise, and energetic.

Solera Extra-Brut is a gastronomic Champagne that combines mature complexity with remarkable freshness. Its depth and structure make it an excellent partner for oysters, lobster, roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, smoked fish, aged Comté, and other firm or nutty cheeses.

The Wine Advocate: 94 Points

It opens with aromas of orange zest, pear, fennel seeds, warm brioche, and a hint of Timut pepper. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, bright, and seamless, showing striking complexity. Ample chalky extract and tangy acidity define its structure, while the mousse remains persistent through the long finish.

Wine Spectator: 92 Points

An aromatic Champagne shaped by rapier-like acidity, with expressive flavors of steeped raspberry, whole-grain toast, apple blossom, and a touch of honeycomb.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Solera Extra-Brut
• Base: 1997-2018
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Vallée de la Marne
• Village: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
• Grape Varieties: 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir
• Production Method: Perpetual reserve established in 1997
• Annual Renewal: Approximately 30% drawn off and replaced with 30% wine from the new harvest
• Élevage: Initially aged in stainless steel; now maintained in upright oak vessels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Style: Extra-Brut
• Wine Type: Multi-vintage Champagne
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Les Blanchiens is a beautifully expressive mono-cru Champagne from a single vineyard in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Considered one of the defining wines of the Pouillon estate, this vintage cuvée captures the character of its vineyard with remarkable grace, authority, and precision.

The wine is an equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown on south-facing clay-limestone soils. Pinot Noir contributes structure, depth, and power, while Chardonnay provides freshness, lift, and finely defined acidity. Together, the two varieties create a Champagne that is both commanding and elegant.

Fabrice Pouillon farms the Les Blanchiens parcel according to biodynamic principles, emphasizing healthy soils, balanced vines, and a close connection between the vineyard and the finished wine. The fruit is harvested by hand and the two grape varieties are fermented separately in used neutral barriques.

The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is raised for approximately 18 months in neutral oak barrels before bottling. The restrained use of older oak adds texture and complexity without masking the purity of the fruit or the distinctive character of the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ terroir.

As a Brut Nature Champagne, Les Blanchiens is finished without dosage. Its completely dry style places the focus on the quality of the fruit, the structure of the vintage, and the mineral tension of the vineyard.

The bouquet is distinctive and complex, opening with unique aromas of black tea and bitter orange. These are joined by notes of ripe citrus, orchard fruit, dried flowers, gentle spice, toasted grain, and subtle chalky minerality.

On the palate, the wine is powerful yet remarkably light on its feet. Pinot Noir provides drive and structure, while Chardonnay contributes brightness, precision, and energy. The texture is finely delineated, with vibrant acidity and a persistent mousse carrying the wine into an exceptionally long, focused finish.

Les Blanchiens possesses considerable depth and authority without becoming heavy or dull. It is a vinous, gastronomic Champagne that continues to reveal new layers and nuances as it opens in the glass.

This Champagne is an excellent partner for oysters, caviar, lobster, grilled fish, scallops, roast poultry, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and other firm or nutty cheeses.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Blanchiens
• Vintage: 2017
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Vallée de la Marne
• Village: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Vineyard: Les Blanchiens
• Grape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay
• Orientation: South-facing
• Soil: Clay-limestone
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Vinification: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fermented separately in neutral barriques
• Élevage: Approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Dosage: Brut Nature
• Wine Type: Champagne
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Rosé de Macération is a deeply colored, vinous rosé Champagne made entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Rather than producing the rosé by blending white Champagne with still red wine, Fabrice Pouillon allows the freshly pressed juice to remain in contact with the grape skins, giving the wine its distinctive color, structure, and expressive red-fruit character.

The grapes come from clay-limestone soils and are cultivated according to biodynamic principles. The fruit is harvested by hand, and the juice macerates on its skins for up to 12 hours before pressing. This short maceration extracts color, aroma, and gentle tannin while preserving the freshness and precision essential to Champagne.

Fermentation takes place in a combination of traditional enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels. Approximately 80% of the wine continues its élevage for eight months, while the remaining 20% is transferred to neutral barrels and aged for 18 months.

After eight months, the current year’s wine is blended with the longer-aged portion retained from the previous harvest. This thoughtful assemblage balances the natural tannic structure of a macerated rosé with the softness, complexity, and mellow texture developed through extended aging in neutral oak.

The 2021-base Rosé de Macération is powerful, dry, and gastronomic, with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal. Its pale ruby-red color is followed by an intensely flinty bouquet, complemented by aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry, citrus peel, dried flowers, spice, and subtle brioche.

On the palate, it is structured and energetic, combining ripe red-fruit flavors with bright mineral acidity and an emphatic, persistent mousse. The wine has impressive concentration without heaviness, and its distinctly dry profile carries through to a clean, precise, and refreshing finish.

This is an expressive and highly individual rosé Champagne for drinkers who appreciate the texture and savory complexity of Pinot Noir. It is excellent with duck, roast poultry, pork, grilled salmon, tuna, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.

James Suckling: 92 Points

This unusually colored rosé Champagne resembles a pale Pinot Noir in the glass. The bouquet is intensely flinty, with generous raspberry fruit. Structured, dry, and powerful, the palate offers bright mineral acidity and a pronounced mousse, finishing exceptionally clean and precise.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Rosé de Macération
• Base Vintage: 2021
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Vallée de la Marne
• Village: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Premier Cru
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Soil: Clay-limestone
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Rosé Method: Skin maceration for up to 12 hours
• Vinification: Enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels
• Élevage: Eight months for 80% of the wine and 18 months in neutral oak for 20% of the blend
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Style: Rosé Brut Champagne
• Wine Type: Champagne
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Les Terres Froides is a precise and mineral-driven Blanc de Blancs from a distinctive single vineyard in the village of Tauxières-Mutry, within the Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from Chardonnay, this Extra-Brut Champagne reveals the cool, chalky character of one of Fabrice Pouillon’s most remarkable vineyard sites.

The Terres Froides parcel forms part of the lieu-dit Les Fourches, situated southwest of Tauxières-Mutry and close to Tours-sur-Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms approximately half a hectare here. The vineyard’s northern exposure and cool microclimate contribute to a long, gradual ripening season, preserving freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision in the grapes.

Tauxières-Mutry was historically awarded a 99% rating under the échelle des crus classification, placing it just one point below Grand Cru status. The soils in this parcel contain a higher proportion of chalk than those located closer to the village. This chalk-rich terroir, combined with the cool conditions, provides an exceptional environment for Chardonnay.

The vineyard is farmed organically, with Pouillon incorporating biodynamic principles throughout his work. His approach emphasizes healthy soils, balanced vines, careful observation, and minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s natural character to remain at the center of the finished Champagne.

The wine is vinified using a combination of neutral barriques and traditional enameled tanks. It undergoes malolactic fermentation and is raised for approximately eight months before bottling. This restrained approach preserves the freshness and saline character of the Chardonnay while adding subtle texture and complexity.

In the glass, Les Terres Froides offers aromas of lemon zest, crisp green apple, white peach, pear, and delicate white flowers. As the wine opens, notes of crushed chalk, oyster shell, fresh bread, and subtle spice emerge.

The palate is taut, focused, and beautifully delineated. Bright citrus and orchard-fruit flavors are carried by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. A pronounced chalky minerality gives the wine tension and length, while the Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, refreshing, and exceptionally precise.

Compared with Pouillon’s broader and more powerful Blanc de Blancs bottlings, Les Terres Froides is particularly defined by its energy, purity, crispness, and salinity. It is a refined expression of cool-climate Chardonnay and a compelling example of the mineral character of the Montagne de Reims.

Delicious beyond measure. For Chablis drinkers. For those who would rather begin a meal with oysters and end it with nothing but a refill. This is Champagne at its absolute finest.

This is an excellent Champagne for the table and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, caviar, sushi, grilled fish, scallops, goat cheese, fresh cheeses, and lightly prepared poultry.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Terres Froides Blanc de Blancs
• Vintage: 2020
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Tauxières-Mutry
• Vineyard: Les Terres Froides, a lieu-dit of Les Fourches
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Soil: Chalk-rich clay-limestone
• Exposure: Northern
• Farming: Organic with biodynamic principles
• Vinification: Neutral barriques and enameled tanks
• Élevage: Approximately eight months before bottling
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
• Alcohol: 12%
• Wine Type: Champagne
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Méthode Fabrice Pouillon “Chemin du Bois” is one of Fabrice Pouillon’s most innovative and daring Champagnes, created to demonstrate how thoughtful farming, natural ripeness, and minimal intervention can reshape the traditional Champagne method.

Produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the single Chemin du Bois vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, this cuvée comes from clay-limestone soils in the Vallée de la Marne. The vineyard is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, with close attention paid to soil health, vine balance, and full physiological ripeness at harvest.

The defining feature of this wine is Pouillon’s proprietary Méthode Fabrice Pouillon. Conventional Champagne production permits the addition of sugar during three stages: chaptalization, the prise de mousse that creates the bubbles, and dosage after disgorgement. Chemin du Bois is instead produced exclusively from grapes and naturally sweet grape juice from the estate, without the addition of externally sourced sugar.

Following pressing, approximately 15% of the juice is reserved in stainless steel until spring. The remaining juice ferments spontaneously with ambient yeasts in neutral barrels. After approximately 12 months, the finished base wine is blended with the reserved grape juice, initiating a second natural fermentation. Once the remaining sugar reaches the appropriate level, the wine is bottled under cork for secondary fermentation. When dosage is used, it is also prepared from grape juice rather than refined sugar.

This unconventional approach creates a Champagne of remarkable purity and individuality. Full-bodied and muscular, the 2018 combines the generosity and warmth of the vintage with Pouillon’s characteristic precision. The palate is broad and textural, opening with a powerful, gastronomic attack before developing into a layered mid-palate supported by vibrant acidity.

Ripe orchard fruit, citrus peel, red apple, and subtle red-fruit tones are joined by notes of warm brioche, spice, toasted grain, and chalky minerality. Despite its breadth and concentration, the wine remains energetic and beautifully controlled, with a persistent mousse and a long, enveloping finish.

Chemin du Bois is a profound, vinous Champagne intended as much for the table as for celebration. Its structure and complexity make it an excellent partner for roast poultry, veal, pork, lobster, seared scallops, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and other richly flavored cheeses.

The Wine Advocate: 92 Points

Full-bodied and muscular, it offers a broad-shouldered, textural opening that develops into a layered and flavorful mid-palate. Vibrant acidity provides energy and definition, while the long, enveloping finish captures the warmth and generosity of the 2018 vintage.

Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
Cuvée: Méthode Fabrice Pouillon “Chemin du Bois”
Vintage: 2018
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
Vineyard: Chemin du Bois
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Soil: Clay-limestone
Farming: Organic and biodynamic principles
Fermentation: Ambient yeasts in neutral barrels
Élevage: Oak casks
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
Style: Extra-Brut
Bottle Size: 750ml

Grande Vallée is a compelling expression of the Vallée de la Marne through the distinctive lens of Fabrice Pouillon. Formerly known as Réserve Brut, this cuvée brings together fruit from across the domaine’s holdings in the Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims, creating a broad and detailed portrait of the estate’s varied terroirs.

The blend is composed of approximately 65% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay, grown on clay-limestone soils and farmed biodynamically. The Pinot Noir provides structure and depth, Pinot Meunier contributes generous fruit and suppleness, while Chardonnay brings lift, freshness and precision.

Fermentation takes place with native yeasts, using a combination of neutral barrels, small vats and traditional enameled tanks. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is raised for approximately eight months before bottling. Since the 2019 vintage, Pouillon has employed his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon across the range, using naturally sweet grape must from the estate rather than externally sourced sugar for the secondary fermentation and, when necessary, for dosage. This method is intended to preserve a purer connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit and its place of origin.

In the glass, the Champagne displays a luminous golden color and an expressive, earthy bouquet. Aromas of juicy plum and ripe orchard fruit are joined by subtle savory notes, gentle wood influence and a faint oxidative complexity. The palate is more lifted and energetic than the color and nose initially suggest, combining generous fruit with fine tension, firm Pinot structure and bright, refreshing acidity.

The texture is expansive yet remarkably agile, with a persistent mousse and a long, mineral-driven finish. Grande Vallée captures the hallmark character of Pouillon’s wines: depth without heaviness, intensity without excess, and an individual, terroir-focused personality.

Vinous Media: 91 Points

Golden in color, with an earthy and expansive aromatic profile featuring ripe red pepper, juicy plum and a subtle oxidative edge from wood aging. The palate is lighter and fresher than the nose suggests, offering inherent juiciness, firm Pinot structure and bright acidity. Individual, expressive and surprisingly light on its feet.

A versatile Champagne for the table, it is excellent as an aperitif and particularly well suited to oysters, shellfish, roast poultry, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses and savory pastries.

Blend: Approximately 65% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay
Region: Champagne, France
Appellations: Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims
Soil: Clay-limestone
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Native yeasts; neutral oak, small vats and enameled tanks
Élevage: Approximately eight months before bottling
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
Style: Extra-Brut
Bottle Size: 750ml