Jacquesson

Jacquesson is a grower Champagne producer run by two brothers, Jean-Herve and Laurent Chiquet. The Chiquets are known for their innovation. They started making their numbered NV series in the 2000 vintage, with the aim of making the best and most expressive wine possible each year, rather than simply turning out a consistent product. 20 years on, this thinking has become much more widespread in Champagne. Think of Krug’s ‘editions’ of its NV wines, to take a high-profile example.

Jacquesson own 29 hectares of vineyards in Grande Vallee and the Cote des Blancs. These supply around 80% of their grapes, with the rest coming from nearby growers. Yields are low and the selection procedure is particularly strict – anything not up to scratch is sold off. Fermentation takes place in large oak casks and the wines undergo long lees ageing to give depth and finesse.

Alongside the 700 series are the late disgorged (degorgement tardif) wines. Jacquesson also make a range of small production single vineyard wines: Corne Bautray, Les Terres Rouges, Champ Cain and Vauzelle Terme.