- Authentic, characterful winemaker's champagne
- Mineral and with lively acidity
Disgorged in 2017 this champagne from the much hyped vintage 2008 shows little aromatic development despite extended lees ageing. Aromas of green apple, oysters, salty sea breeze, lemon and freshly baked bread. It has not undergone malolactic fermentation and is pure and fresh. Dosage 3 g/l. 60 % Chardonnay and 40 % Pinot Noir.
The Hugues Godmé Champagne House is a renowned family business in Champagne with a long tradition dating back over 350 years. The family has been involved in champagne production for several generations, particularly in the northern Montagne de Reims, in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay and the surrounding villages such as Verzy, Villers-Marmery and Ville-Dommange. Hugues Godmé himself runs the house with great passion and has been committed to a philosophy of excellence and respect for the terroir for over 40 years.
The vineyards cover almost 14 hectares, mainly in Grand Cru locations, and are characterised by chalky, clayey soils that provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. About half of the area is planted with Chardonnay, around 30% with Pinot Noir (mainly in the Grand Cru sites of Verzenay, Verzy and Beaumont-sur-Vesle) and about 20% with Pinot Meunier (including in Villedommange).
Since 2006, Hugues Godmé has converted the estate to organic viticulture and, since 2013, to biodynamic viticulture, making him one of the pioneers of this sustainable approach in Champagne. This ecological awareness is reflected in the careful, natural cultivation of the vineyards, which aims to promote deep root formation and optimal development of the vines. The champagnes are vinified with great patience and minimal intervention in the cellar: gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation in used wooden barrels, no malolactic fermentation, filtration or fining, and low sulphur additions. Around 40% of the wine is aged in used barrique barrels.
Hugues Godmé's cuvées are characterised by freshness, power and depth. They are usually aged on the lees for a very long time, have a very low dosage and are often labelled as Extra Brut or Brut Nature. The champagnes display a clear, unadorned elegance with pronounced minerality and are an expression of the terroir of the Montagne de Reims. Due to the biodynamic philosophy and careful craftsmanship, they are considered authentic and full of character, without having to follow fashionable trends.
Production is relatively small (approx. 35,000 bottles per year). The next generation, including his daughter Lucille, is now actively supporting the business.
