Hugues Godmé – biodynamic Champagne from Verzenay at Alfavin

Hugues Godmé is a family-run estate based in Verzenay, in the northern Montagne de Reims. The house produces Champagne exclusively from its own vineyards, farmed organically and biodynamically. The wines are known for their clear structure, mineral tension, low dosage and strong terroir character. 

Key facts

• Vineyards: Verzenay, Verzy, Villers-Marmery, Beaumont-sur-Vesle
• Vineyard area: approx. 7 hectares
• Grape varieties: about 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier
• Farming: certified organic and biodynamic (Demeter)
• Production: around 50,000 bottles per year

Style of the Champagnes

Hugues Godmé produces structured, terroir-driven Champagnes with precise acidity and pronounced mineral character. Depending on the vintage, the wines show notes of ripe to green apple, citrus, hazelnut and brioche. Maturation often takes place in used oak barrels, adding subtle oak tones. Despite the long lees ageing, which ensures a fine mousse, the wines are not overtly fruity or toasty when young – typical of organic grower Champagnes. They show a clear structure, fresh acidity, precise minerality, discreet fruit, and bread, yeast and brioche notes, sometimes with hints of almond or hazelnut. The texture can be firm and lean in some cuvées, while the top vintages are fuller and creamier. Nothing is masked by dosage, which ranges from Extra Brut to Brut Nature.

Vineyards and vineyard work

The vineyards are mainly located in Grand Cru sites in Verzenay and Verzy, as well as in Beaumont-sur-Vesle and Villers-Marmery. The soils are rich in chalk with a clay layer typical of the Montagne de Reims. Viticulture follows biodynamic principles, with a focus on soil vitality, biodiversity and manual labour. Cover crops between rows improve soil life and protect against erosion.

Winemaking and cellar practices

• Selective hand harvesting and gentle whole-cluster pressing.
• Parcel-by-parcel vinification to preserve the individuality of each terroir.
• Partial fermentation and ageing in used oak barrels and stainless steel, depending on the cuvée.
• No or only partial malolactic fermentation to maintain freshness and tension.
• Extended lees ageing (3–8 years, depending on the cuvée).
• Low dosage, usually between 0–4 g/L, to highlight origin and minerality.

History

The Godmé family has been growing vines in Verzenay for five generations. Hugues Godmé took over the estate in the 1990s and gradually converted it to organic and later biodynamic farming. In 2006, he separated from the former family estate Godmé-Sabine. Since then, all wines have been produced under his own name, with a focus on precision and sustainability.

Conclusion

Champagne Hugues Godmé represents biodynamically produced Grand Cru Champagnes with a clear, mineral profile and artisanal precision. The combination of old vines, chalky soils and long lees ageing gives the wines depth and ageing potential. At Alfavin, you can buy Hugues Godmé 2008 – an authentic terroir-driven Champagne from Verzenay.