The Exceptional Champagnes of Cedric Bouchard
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It’s that time of year everyone has been eagerly anticipating – the release of Bouchard’s annual allocation. Situated in the southern region of Aube in Champagne, Cedric Bouchard finds himself amongst some of the most sought-after wine makers in the industry. Aube, once overlooked and treated as a secondary wine region, has been receiving well-deserved recognition in recent years.
Cedric Bouchard launched his own label in 2000 and quickly gained a cult following. This was cemented in 2008 when Gault Millau awarded him the title of Champagne’s best wine maker. Initially, Bouchard produced two wines under the Roses de Jeanne and Inflorescence labels using grapes from his father’s vineyards. By 2014, all of his wines were bottled under the Roses de Jeanne label, with Inflorescence becoming Roses de Jeanne Val Vilaine.
Bouchard’s wines embody the essence of what can be achieved in Champagne when one adopts the mindset and methods of winemaking in Burgundy. The focus is on place and allowing the vineyard to shine. Bouchard is known for his commitment to quality and showcasing the truth of the terroir. He farms his vineyards organically, restricts yields, and ensures that the grapes are perfectly ripe before harvest. This is especially crucial when making zero-dosage Champagnes, as the proper ripeness of the grapes is essential.
In the cellar, Bouchard only uses the juice from the first pressing and ferments the wine using indigenous yeast. All of his wines are bottled without added sugar and are single varietals, single lieu-dits, and vintage-specific. This makes for a pure and vibrant expression of place. Bouchard’s wines are crisp, clean, and focused, offering a generous taste of the vineyard.
Due to their low production and high demand, Bouchard’s wines are tightly allocated. The Roses de Jeanne Val Vilaine is made from 100% Pinot Noir from the Val Vilaine lieu-dit, covering 3.7 acres and producing less than 400 cases annually. The Roses de Jeanne Les Ursules is made from 100% Pinot Noir from the Les Ursules lieu-dit, covering 2.22 acres and yielding an average of 250 cases per year.