paysage champenois, océan de vignes

Organic champagne

Sustainable and responsible

What is organic champagne?

We know about organic food and fashion, we know less about organic champagne, and yet! It has a growing interest in the image of sustainable and conscious lifestyles. In Epernay, many winegrowers and winemakers have engaged their ecological responsibility to produce an organic champagne. Do you have a desire for sustainable tourism, in an environment where the beauty of the landscape rivals the commitment of its inhabitants? You have arrived at your destination!

To be certified organic, a champagne must be grown and vinified organically. In Champagne, organic viticulture was born in the 70s thanks to a few precursor winemakers, before expanding. For a long time, organic champagne was the prerogative of winegrowers, but it has now been emulated by cooperatives and Champagne Houses.

cheval de trait qui laboure les vignes - Epernay Tourisme
Alexandre Couvreux Photographer

A sustainable and responsible viticulture

Like other certified organic wines, organic champagne is produced from organically grown grapes. This method of production is different from traditional viticulture because it does not use synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or GMOs. The goal? To produce a quality champagne, while protecting the environment. Organic viticulture is part of a sustainable logic aimed at preserving the quality of water and soil, promoting biodiversity, in short, respecting nature!

On a daily basis, this implies an active approach for the winegrower, who must adapt his viticultural practices. From specific tools such as horse ploughing, green manure, grassing and composting allow him to maintain a sufficient level of harvest, with exceptional quality. In Epernay, in the heart of the Champagne region, these sustainable practices shape the vineyard and reveal the beauty of the terroir.

What about biodynamics?

You have certainly already heard about biodynamics. This viticulture is very similar to organic viticulture, with the difference that it is used as a complement to natural preparations (based on medicinal plants or minerals) and takes into account the cosmic influence. The idea? Growing vines at the rhythm of our planet and the cosmos to work in harmony with nature! Several winemakers practice this viticulture in Epernay and the surrounding area.

bouchons de champagne Barangé - Epernay Tourisme
Alexandre Couvreux Photographer

Organic winemaking

No organic champagne without organic vinification! The process of making champagne is the same as that of classic champagne, with the major difference that it is governed by the European organic wine-making regulation in force since August 1, 2012. Concretely, everything that goes into the wine must be certified organic or authorized (grapes, sugar, additives and auxiliaries). Certain winemaking practices are prohibited in organic farming to ensure optimal traceability and quality.

A European regulation

Organic, a certification that makes sense

To obtain the organic certification, the winemaker or the champagne brand undertakes to respect the European regulations on organic production. This process takes time, as the conversion of the vineyard to organic is spread over a period of 3 years before the first 100% organic harvest. It is then necessary to wait another 2 years of wine making so that the first certified organic vintage is born. It is then stamped with the the famous AB green logo or the European green leaf, guarantees of quality.

The choice of organic is often an obvious one for the winemakers who make it. Between return to the sources and passion for their soil, it is an approach that gives meaning to their activity!

Discover organic champagne in Epernay

In Epernay and the surrounding villages, dive into the heart of the Champagne organic vineyard! You can find a selection of organic champagnes in many establishments in the city (wine cellars, dining bars, restaurants).

For an authentic experience, you can also taste organic champagne in the Champagne Houses or at the certified wine growers, directly at the property. After a visit in due form, you will be able to discuss with them about their eco-responsible commitment over a glass of champagne... organic of course!

Taste organic champagne

Bouteilles © champagne Leclerc Briant - Epernay Tourisme
Champagne Leclerc Briant
Biodynamics as a heritage

WHY GO THERE?

Go through the door of this pretty store and discover the singular vintages of Champagne Leclerc Briant! You can taste quietly, benefit from the advice of professionals and buy all the vintages of the House.

Whether it’s the Classics, Plot Selections or Specialties, there’s something for everyone!