Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet

Visiting Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger was the perfect intro for my first time in Champagne. The combination of showcasing not only exceptional wines but also the passion and history that define this family-run estate hit all the spots for me. Founded in 1986 by Anne Gonet and Philippe Gimonnet, the winery represents the union of two famed Champenois families. As younger siblings in their respective families, Anne and Philippe chose to forge their own path, driven by the belief that Champagne is more than a job—it’s a lifelong passion.

Over the years, Anne and Philippe mastered their craft in some of the Côte des Blancs’ greatest vineyards, establishing their own identity as vignerons. In 2012, they passed the estate to their son Charles, who had already been managing the farming side of the estate for several years. Charles’s expertise in the vineyard is complemented by his twin sister Anne-Sophie, who joined the winery in 2016 as head winemaker after honing her skills in some of Chablis’ most renowned cellars. Together, they form a dynamic team that upholds the family’s legacy while continually pushing for excellence.

The estate spans 13.5 hectares, with 6 hectares in Grand Cru villages such as Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry. These chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs are the foundation for their exceptional Champagnes, known for their minerality and finesse. The remaining holdings are spread across the Marne Valley, in villages like Bouquigny, Vincelles, Verneuil, and Trélou. The vines, averaging 40 years in age, are cultivated using the lutte raisonnée method, emphasizing sustainability and respect for the land. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal maturity, with only the finest bunches selected for winemaking.

The winemaking at Gimonnet-Gonet is a meticulous extension of their vineyard work. Each parcel is vinified separately in stainless steel vats, allowing the individual terroirs to shine. Grapes are pressed twice—first in a vertical press, then in a pneumatic press—to ensure the purest juice is extracted. Uniquely, the wines do not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving their bright, linear profiles and showcasing the minerality of the Côte des Blancs. Each cuvée spends at least three years aging sur lie and is disgorged just six months before release. This careful and precise approach yields Champagnes that are firm, textured, and incredibly fresh.

My visit began with a tour of their stunning vineyard sites, where the chalky plains of the Côte des Blancs reflected the bright winter light. Charles’s knowledge and passion for the vines were apparent as he explained their farming practices and the importance of the terroir. Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at La Gare in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger with Charles and his mother. The meal was a perfect reflection of local culinary traditions. It began with a crisp croquette of ham paired with a fresh, mustard-dressed endive salad, followed by a beautifully prepared chicken roulade with creamy gnocchi in a mustard sauce. The flavors were elegant and comforting, offering the perfect prelude to the Champagne tasting.

Back at the winery, I had the opportunity to explore their state-of-the-art facilities and atmospheric cellars. Rows of stainless-steel vats lined the pristine winery, a testament to their modern approach, while the vaulted, dimly lit cellars housed bottles aging to perfection. Charles guided us through a tasting of their Champagnes, each one reflecting the family’s dedication to their craft.

The 2011 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru was a highlight, showcasing the purity of 100% Chardonnay from their Côte des Blancs holdings. With a dosage of just 5 grams per liter, it was crisp, bright, and fresh, with notes of citrus, green apple, and a chalky minerality that lingered beautifully on the palate. The precision of their winemaking and the expressiveness of their terroir were evident in every sip.

What made the visit so memorable wasn’t just the exceptional quality of the wines but the warmth and authenticity of the Gimonnet-Gonet family. Charles and Anne-Sophie are carrying on their parents’ legacy with passion and innovation, ensuring that each bottle not only reflects the history of the region but also offers a fresh perspective on what Champagne can be.