byrating A-

standout multi-village blending

about eighth generation farmers, the third to make champagne. Dating back to 1690 but started as a champagne winery in 1966 by Yves Alexandre. His son Yann and his wife Séverine farm 28 plots across 6.3ha in nine villages. Yann studied in Burgundy, also trained in Bordeaux and Switzerland, before heading back to the family winery. The winery is based in the village of Courmas, south-west of Reims in Petit Montagne de Reims. Every plot, largely south-west facing, is farmed as sensitively as possible to encourage a polycultural growing environment, returning traditional practices and flowers to the region. The majority of plantings are Meunier, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay also planted, all developed through clonal and massal selection.

wines tasted

Brut Noir NV ($60)

45% Meunier, 40% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir. 60% vintage (2018), 40% reserve wines. Comes from 20 plots in Courmas, Bouilly, Merfy, Chenay, and Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne. Four to five years ageing. Full, weighty style balanced by cutting acidity. Dosage of 8g/l adds to richness. Very more-ish.

website https://www.champagneyannalexandre.fr/

email champagneyannalexandre@orange.fr

phone +33 06 81 03 81 79

address 13 Rue du Château, Wettolsheim