Location and History
Champagne Jacques Selosse is located in Avize in the Côte des Blancs in Champagne, France. The first vinification at the estate took place in 1964. Anselme Selosse joined the estate in 1974 and began developing his own methods for viticulture and vinification.
Vineyards and Grape Varieties
The cultivated vineyard area covers 8.3 hectares and is divided into 54 plots, most of which are classified as Grand Cru. Some vineyard sites date back to 1922, and the average age of the vines is over 55 years. Chardonnay grows on 7.3 hectares, mainly in Avize as well as in Cramant, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Pinot Noir occupies 1.0 hectare in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Ambonnay.
Cultivation and Vinification
From 1990 to 1996, the estate applied agrobiological principles, and from 1996 onward biodynamic methods. Since 2002, it has followed its own, adaptable cultivation system rather than a fixed method. During vinification, intervention is minimised; additions intended to alter the identity of the grape must are avoided.
Plot-Based Cuvées
Since 2010, the range has included a Lieux-Dits collection with six plot-based cuvées from six villages. Chemin de Châlons from Cramant, Les Carelles from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Les Chanteraines from Avize are made from 100% Chardonnay. Sous Le Mont from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and La Côte Faron from Aÿ are made from 100% Pinot Noir; Le Bout du Clos from Ambonnay is an exception, consisting of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. Other cuvées listed include Initial Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, V.O. Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru, Substance Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Rosé Brut and Millésime 2013.
