Les Chênes – Pierre Callot Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

Overview

The Les Chênes is a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs of exceptional elegance and complexity. Sourced from Avize vineyards, this Champagne expresses the full minerality and finesse of Chardonnay grown on chalky soils. Aging begins with 4 months in oak barrels, followed by approximately 60 months on lees, with a dosage of about 4 g/l, providing harmony and aromatic persistence. With a limited production of 850 bottles, this Champagne exemplifies the artisanal care and meticulous quality of Maison Pierre Callot.

Wine History

The Les Chênes was created to highlight the most representative terroirs of Avize, aiming to craft a refined, elegant, and long-lived wine. This Blanc de Blancs reflects six generations of Callot family experience and their passion for vineyards and winemaking. Oak barrel aging and extended lees contact develop complex and deep aromas, respecting the Champenois tradition and the distinct character of Chardonnay grapes.

Vineyard Philosophy

The 7-hectare vineyards are managed according to lutte raisonnée, with manual harvesting and careful vine maintenance. The goal is to preserve vine health and produce grapes of high quality, balanced and aromatically rich. Sustainable vineyard management, combined with rigorous grape selection, ensures the wine expresses the minerality and natural elegance of the Grand Cru terroir of Avize.

Winery Approach

Vinification follows traditional Maison Pierre Callot practices. 4 months in oak barrels add structure and complexity, while subsequent 60 months on lees develop aromatic depth and persistence. Moderate dosage of approximately 4 g/l maintains balance and finesse. Clarification occurs via degorgement, and every step of production highlights Chardonnay and verticality. The result is an elegant, refined, and long-lived Champagne.

Tasting Notes

Color: straw yellow with intense golden reflections.
Nose: complex aromas of citrus, white flowers, subtle vanilla, and chalky minerality.
Palate: harmonious and persistent, fine bubbles, balanced acidity, long structured finish, with refined elegance.

Food Pairing

Ideal with fish tarts, refined seafood, high-quality sushi, as well as oven-baked fish dishes and soft or semi-aged cheeses. Perfect for gourmet moments and celebratory occasions.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Champagne, Avize

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay

• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs S.A.

• Vineyard area: 7 ha

• Soil: chalky

• Viticulture: lutte raisonnée, récoltant-manipulant

• Harvest: manual

• Aging: 4 months in oak barrels, then ~60 months on lees

• Dosage: approx. 4 g/l

• Clarification: degorgement

• Production: 850 bottles

Maison Pierre Callot – Champagne Grand Cru Côte des Blancs

History of Maison Pierre Callot

The history of Maison Pierre Callot dates back to the 18th century, when the family began as a grape-supplying company. Louis Callot, born in Avize in 1784, marks the first chapter of a tradition that now spans six generations of winemakers deeply connected to the Côte des Blancs region. In 1955, Pierre Callot decided to establish his own brand, transforming passion into a recognizable and independent family project. Since 1996, Thierry Callot, the youngest of four children, has been leading the house, maintaining continuity while guiding the company toward a modern vision without abandoning its historical heritage. Each bottle tells a story that spans centuries of dedication and love for the vine, combining artisanal tradition with modern precision.

Vineyard Philosophy

The strength of Maison Pierre Callot lies in the vineyard, the heart of all quality decisions. The seven-hectare estate is located in some of the most prestigious villages of the Côte des Blancs, including Avize, Cramant, and Chouilly, all Grand Cru, with Grauves classified as Premier Cru. These terroirs are characterized by unique chalky soils that act as natural reservoirs of water and heat, ensuring that the Chardonnay grapes achieve freshness, finesse, and minerality. Vineyard management follows integrated pest control principles, minimizing treatments while aiming for sustainable and respectful cultivation. The vines are meticulously cared for year-round with manual work, precise pruning, cluster selection, and protection of the natural balance of the plants. The goal is to produce healthy, concentrated grapes that truly reflect the character of the terroir.

Winery Approach

At the winery, Maison Pierre Callot adopts a traditional Champenois method, where careful handling of the grapes combines with precise winemaking techniques. Pressing is done delicately to preserve the finest juice and enhance the varietal expression of Chardonnay. Fermentations are carefully controlled to highlight aromatic purity, with aging on lees adding complexity and depth. Every choice is designed to respect the fruit without overpowering it, with careful use of cellar techniques. The result is Champagnes that combine freshness, verticality, and elegance, with a clear and recognizable style. The house emphasizes stylistic consistency, ensuring a constant identity from vintage to vintage that best expresses the soul of the Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs.

Maison Vision and Identity

Maison Pierre Callot stands out for its strong identity rooted in its territory and the appreciation of Chardonnay. The house has built a reputation based on quality, craftsmanship, and respect for nature, values that guide every stage of production. The aim is not only to create prestigious Champagnes but also to tell a family story of passion and continuity. The vision looks to a sustainable future, where environmental care and responsible resource use coexist with the constant pursuit of maximum wine expression. Today, the house represents a reference point for those seeking authentic, refined, and elegant Champagne, capable of embodying the unique character of the Côte des Blancs and conveying, sip by sip, the heritage of a family that has lived the vineyard as a vocation for over two centuries.