Champagne, France – October 21, 2024 – The Mandois Champagne House, established in 1735, has announced the grand opening of its new winery, a significant milestone that reflects its commitment to excellence and deep-rooted understanding of the Champagne terroir. This facility represents a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, embodying the vision of owner Claude Mandois, who aims to celebrate the distinctive character of each vineyard plot while emphasizing the house’s status as one of the largest certified organic vineyards in the Champagne region.
Embodying a Winegrowing Ethos Through the “Galerie Parcellaire”
Under Claude Mandois’ meticulous guidance, each vineyard plot is closely monitored to ensure the highest quality production. Mandois believes that winemaking extends beyond merely harvesting exceptional grapes; it involves preserving the unique essence of each plot throughout the entire winemaking process. “My thinking started with a simple question: how can I create the best possible wines from the vineyard plots that I’m going to carefully work using organic methods?” Claude states. He likens this approach to haute couture, where every piece is unique, tailoring the winemaking process to the specific needs of each vineyard.
The new 170-square-meter winery, designed by Epernay architect Vincent Fierfort, is equipped to receive and vinify grapes from 12 of the Champagne House’s 17 Crus. The creation of the “Galerie Parcellaire,” a parcellation vat room, serves as a testament to this philosophy, allowing for the fullest expression of grapes from Mandois’ organic vineyards.
A Winery Reflecting Quality and Craftsmanship
The design of the new winery mirrors the dedication to crafting fine wines, featuring an imposing yet minimalist structure. Claude explains, “Every aspect of the winemaking process has been carefully considered to ensure the crafting of the finest possible wines—from the concrete vats that amplify the minerality of the terroirs to the wooden barrels that encourage micro-oxygenation.” This intentional architecture prioritizes functionality and quality, incorporating natural materials and systems designed to enhance the preservation of the wines, such as green walls that promote both aesthetics and performance.
An Immersive Experience for Visitors
The opening of this new facility, three years in the making, represents a significant achievement for the Mandois Champagne House. Beyond its role in crafting wine, the winery serves as a venue where the beauty of the terroir, craftsmanship, and wine tasting converge. The facility integrates tradition with a forward-looking vision, featuring a tasting room positioned above the vat room, where guests can savor Mandois champagnes in their place of creation. This proximity fosters a deeper connection between the wines and their makers.
The winery’s materials—wood, glass, and minerals—reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding terroir. A centerpiece of the space is a striking glass tasting table designed by artist Matthieu Gicquel, crafted to evoke the chalk bedrock typical of the Champagne region. The facade and tabletops symbolize the diversity of the vineyard plots, reinforcing the parcellation approach central to Mandois’ winemaking philosophy.
About Mandois Champagne House
Mandois is a family-owned Champagne House, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Situated at the intersection of the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs, Mandois preserves the time-honored traditions of the Champagne region while continually innovating to produce finely crafted champagnes. Under Claude Mandois’ leadership and guided by generations of family passion, the Champagne House epitomizes excellence and refinement in every bottle, enhancing the drinking experience for its customers. Mandois also boasts one of the largest organically certified vineyards in the region.
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