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