Taillet Daniel Taillet officially founded the winery in 1956, and Eric Taillet represents the 4th generation, taking over for his father, in 1995. Eric has worked the family vines in the Marne Valley for more than 50 years, starting at age 13. The domaine focuses on Pinot Meunier, Eric’s self-proclaimed, “Life, my passion, my reason for being a winegrower.” 75% of the 6-hectare estate is planted to Meunier. With old-vine Meunier on diverse living clay soils of limestone, flint, and marl, Eric attempts to transmit the energy of the ground through the bubbles. His passion for the soil leads to fundamentally modifying the cultivation methods of the vine; the system of pruning, spacing of the rows, height of the vine, method of cultivation of the soil, etc. For many years, the vineyard has been cultivated without weed killers or fertilizers. Eric is currently in his third year of the
organic certification process to ensure a self-sustaining ecosystem with living soils.
Through the addition of organic matter, he encourages the development of microbial life and secondary rooting. Eric says it is important to avoid soil compaction, which stimulates microorganisms present in the soil. In alignment with the ideas of Vitiforestry, 600 common beeches were planted in, and around, the parcel ‘Sur le Grand Marais’ to promote soil activity, parasite control, and water resource management through root exploration. The trees provide windbreak and add a parasol effect to offset climate change and help carbon storage. The focus on terroir does not end with the careful cultivation of the vines. Eric’s idea is to preserve the quintessential parcel identity of his terroir. He uses a traditional wooden hydraulic press acquired in 1970 and vessels chosen for vinification favor the size of the parcel. Winemaking is done without cold passage or filtration.
- Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Meunier Bansionensi
- Champagne Brut Blanc de Meunier Exlusiv’T