Location and History
Champagne Solemme is located in Villers-aux-Noeuds in Champagne, France, in the western Montagne de Reims and within a Premier-Cru area. Olivier Langlais took over the family winery in 2006; the Solemme brand was created in 2009.
Viticulture
The vineyard was converted to organic viticulture. The first certified organic harvest took place in 2013; since 2018, all vines have been certified according to the French Agriculture Biologique standard. Biodynamic methods are used in the vineyard and during winemaking. Compost teas and cover crops, including alfalfa, are also documented as measures to support the biological activity of the soil.
Vines and Soils
The certified organic vineyard consists of around 62 percent Pinot Meunier, 30 percent Chardonnay and 8 percent Pinot Noir. The documented plots include calcareous soils and argilo-calcareous slopes.
Maturation and Style
The wines are vinified in stainless-steel containers without chaptalisation, filtration or cold treatment and are stored on the lees for an average of 36 months before disgorging. Disgorging is generally carried out without the addition of sugar; Plénitude de Solemme forms the exception as an Extra Brut. The range includes Brut Nature champagnes, an Extra-Brut cuvée and vintage wines. Nature de Solemme is a Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature. Ambre de Solemme is produced as a Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature from 100 percent Pinot Meunier from a calcareous plot in Villers-aux-Noeuds.
