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Champagne Forest Marié
Our pasion for generations
The adjacent property deed from 1746 attests that growing vines is a long family tradition. It was barely interrupted when one of our ancestors took part in the Napoleon's Invasion of Russia. We are currently running a vineyard that has increased little by little over 9 generations. Each of them set their own experience. Our current brand name – Forest-Marié- is highly symbolic. It brings two different families together: Thierry’s family from Trigny and Gracianne’s family - his wife - from Ecueil. With their 2 children – Louis and Marthe – they are working to improve the care of each vine plant according to the specific character of the soil.
86 plots
“Le Mont des Chrétiens », « les Blanches Vignes », « Les Rosets », « Les Chaufours », « Coulmiers »... It would be impossible to name our 86 plots! They are spread over several villages: Ecueil, Sacy, Villedommange classified as Premier Cru, without forgetting Trigny where our wine press machine and our cellars are located. Each plot is unique with a specific undulating hillside, sunshine and soil character (with more or less chalk, clay or siliceous limestone). We planted the grape varieties best suited to each soil type: Chardonnay, Pinot noir or Pinot meunier. Choosing the right date for the grape harvest also depends on these requirements. Thierry and Gracianne won't let somebody else make this decision for them. One of the many advantages you have as independent winemakers.
Constant Care
Neither Thierry nor Louis spare any effort in the “galipes” (the row of grapevines) in Champagne to carefully monitor bud break in shoots, how they tolerate late frost damage, the flowering process or the slow maturation of grapes… At any time of the day in any weather conditions (whenever it freezes or the sun dazzles chalk paths) they observe and adapt to them: long-awaited rainfalls or devastating storms. They compare the annual growth cycle of grapevines to previous years and benefit from the lessons taught by previous generations. Much of the must‘s frankness and balance depend on the quality and the complete maturity of grapes.
High respect to the soil
Each plot and each vine plant is unique with its own specific features (the grape variety, the location or the age). Vine pruning - carefully done by hand – and mulching around grapevines depend on them. Guided by our passion for the soil and our respect for nature we have been practicing mulching for 35 years. It is the most natural fertilizer ever and a good alternative to soil-hilling for winter protection. Mulching protects biodiversity. A soil rich in biodiversity is essential to retain water and thus to fight against the soil erosion. And Mother Nature is on our side. Indeed the average age of our vineyard is about 40 years old. The most spectacular vine – named “Les Chaillots” – was planted in 1930.
A rich diversity of terroirs
A rich diversity of terroirs creates very aromatic wines. When harvest time is coming, the grapes of each plot are manually picked and pressed separately. This rigorous quality tracking system enables us to work with different maturity stages and to create the most subtle blends with round pinots meuniers, fruity chardonnays, powerful and vinous pinots noirs. Mother Nature provides opulent flavors that we will gradually help to enhance.
