J. Charpentier Tradition Brut
J. Charpentier: five generations of excellence in Champagne
J. Charpentier is a family winery with more than five generations of winemaking tradition. Small in size but very high in quality, it produces a limited quantity of bottles exclusively with its own grapes, from sustainably cultivated vineyards. J. Charpentier Tradition Brut is the house's most representative cuvée, a champagne that illustrates all the secrets of traditional know-how. It is made exclusively with red grapes, with pinot meunier as the main variety, complemented by pinot noir. After two years of aging in the bottle, this champagne reveals an elegant and complex nose, while on the palate it is creamy, silky, and marked by a fruity character.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
Consumption time
General features
General Information
J. Charpentier Tradition Brut is crafted through a blend composed of the red grapes pinot meunier (80%) and pinot noir (20%), sourced from some of the winery's best crus (Reuil, Binson-Orquigny, Châtillon-sur-Marne, Villers-sous-Châtillon, Le Breuil, Neuville-sur-Seine, and Ludes). The initial alcoholic fermentation is carried out exclusively in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. Subsequently, the wine is blended with the winery's reserve wines, stored in temperature-controlled tanks and wooden vats. This champagne is the result of blending at least two vintages, with a portion aged in wooden vats, adding complexity and depth to the final profile.
Champagne J. Charpentier embodies the concept of a ‘vigneron’: artisans who produce only from their own grapes and oversee all production processes. It is a family-owned winery with five generations of winemaking tradition. Its history dates back to the 19th century, but the brand was officially established in 1974. The winery is located in Villers-sous-Châtillon, in the heart of the Marne Valley, about 12 km from Épernay, and is committed to sustainable viticulture, with minimal intervention and natural methods (such as plowing the land) to protect the vineyard; in fact, it holds the HVE (High Environmental Value) certification. Its vineyards are mainly located in Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims, spread across more than a dozen villages and over sixty parcels.
Harvesting is done manually, with selection at the source and pressing on the same day to preserve aromas. Each parcel receives specific care and is vinified separately, aiming to capture the unique expression of each ‘terroir’ before blending. The wines mature in stainless steel, barrels, or oak vats. The blending, carried out by the Charpentier family under the direction of Jean-Marc, the house oenologist, aims for freshness and body. After bottling, the aging in the bottle lasts from two to ten years. Once this stage is complete, disgorgement is accompanied by a moderate dosage to highlight the natural aromas. After being corked, all the house champagnes rest for a few more months before being released to the
Tasting notes
Beautiful pale straw yellow color, very bright, with small-sized bubbles, crystalline and brilliant.
On the nose, it is elegant and complex, combining distinct aromas of ripe white fruit (apple, melon) with floral notes (jasmine) and pleasant spicy touches (pepper). Delicate pastry aromas appear later.
On the palate, it is creamy, fine, silky, and fruity, with good acidity that provides agility and smoothness. Long and pleasant final persistence with citrus memories.
The winery
Winery
Champagne J. Charpentier is a family winery with a winemaking tradition that spans five generations. Although the estate's history dates back to the early 20th century, it was not until 1974, with the marriage of Jacky Charpentier and Claudine Claisse, that the brand was established in the town of Villers-sous-Châtillon, in the heart of the Marne Valley, 12 kilometers from Epernay.
The vineyards of Champagne J. Charpentier cover 15 hectares divided into a total of 38 plots across 9 communes, including Reuil, Binson-Orquigny, and Châtillon-sur-Marne. The main characteristic of the winery's cultivation is the predominance of red grape varieties, with the majority being pinot meunier and pinot noir, accounting for 80% of the surface. The rest is planted with the white chardonnay variety. The composition of the vineyard, cultivated according to sustainable viticulture practices, is reflected in the artisanal champagnes of the house, characterized by a fruity, light profile while maintaining aromatic complexity, body, and freshness.
The vineyards of Champagne J. Charpentier cover 15 hectares divided into a total of 38 plots across 9 communes, including Reuil, Binson-Orquigny, and Châtillon-sur-Marne. The main characteristic of the winery's cultivation is the predominance of red grape varieties, with the majority being pinot meunier and pinot noir, accounting for 80% of the surface. The rest is planted with the white chardonnay variety. The composition of the vineyard, cultivated according to sustainable viticulture practices, is reflected in the artisanal champagnes of the house, characterized by a fruity, light profile while maintaining aromatic complexity, body, and freshness.