Bénédicte & Emmanuel Ruppert-Leroy

INSPIRATION
Their meticulous care in the vineyards, uniquely situated in Essoyes in the Côte des Bar in the Aube in the South of the Champagne region, is a testament to the quality of their wine. The 4-hectare vineyards, rarely seen in exquisite and ideally situated plots in the Ource Valley, face southeast on magnificent slopes. This optimal exposure to the midday sun is significant for the grapes.

GROUNDBREAKING
Their pioneering work is a testament to their dedication to quality, focusing on natural and healthy ripe grapes that reveal the intrinsic values of the land. The Martin Fontaine plot was planted with Chardonnay on clay and limestone soil, emphasising white limestone. The Les Cognaux was planted with Pinot Noir on clay and limestone soil with a majority of grey clay. The Fosse-Grely was planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on clay and limestone with mainly red clay. During vinification in cuve or oak barrels, each grape variety and each plot in respect to the terroir. They work with their yeasts without added sulphur. No cold stabilisation. Not clarified and not filtered. Bénédicte says that after a beautiful encounter with Pierre Overnoy and a fascinating conversation with him, she has always sought more natural methods that lead to the 'spirit' of natural wine. Perhaps to Pierre Overnoy.

TEA COMPOST
Her parents were shepherds with a small vineyard. Bénédicte & Emmnauel (Manu) were sports teachers. When her father retired in 2009, they decided together to give up sports and take over the work of Bénédicte's parents, based on organic viticulture and in compliance with biodynamic principles. Because the vine is part of a complex energy that connects elements such as fire, water, earth and air, they must consider the natural environment and the different rhythms. They pay a lot of attention to the soil and micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and earthworms, which can help the plant find balance and fight diseases. A healthy soil structure promotes microbiological life by lightly tilling the soil in the spring, spreading tea compost, and using biodynamic preparations such as cow horns. Infusions of plants such as nettle, horsetail, willow, and yarrow added to a copper solution can stimulate the natural defences of the vine and prevent mildew. The yield is monitored closely for quality grapes, which benefits the grape's aromatic potential and soil expression. Many hands during the harvest. You will never see the small crates on the ground, and the sorting per grape starts directly in the vineyard. Monastic work!

UNPRECEDENTEDLY PURE
I had already noticed in their cellars that I judged the Champagnes as unprecedentedly pure but found them more exciting every day after they opened longer. In addition, I was delighted by their philosophy of not adding any dosage, which gives the Champagnes an infinite amount of individuality but also finesse and crystal beauty. There is a common thread running through their style. They possess an incredible liveliness from the soil and a magical acidity surprises you in the finale. These Champagnes have an unparalleled character and keep your taste sensors alert. They are pure, balanced, and expressive—all delicate pearls that excel in an articulating mousse full of vitality, lightness, and unparalleled aromas.
We have been disappointed too often, but we are incredibly pleasantly surprised now.

These are sensational Champagnes with which you can send the enthusiast on a journey of discovery. Respect!