Founded by Désiré Vilmart in 1890, Vilmart & Cie has always been a récoltant-manipulant, or grower-producer, meaning they make Champagne exclusively from their estate-owned vines. In 1995 the property was handed down to Laurent Champs, the fifth generation of the family to take the helm of the house.
Located in Montagne de Reims, with Premier cru sites in Rilly-la-Montagne and Villers-Allerand, Vilmart & Cie’s holdings total just 11 hectares or roughly 30 acres, with vines averaging 35 years old. The Vilmart vineyard is notable for its mix of varietals: a majority of 60% Chardonnay, with the remaining 40% planted to Pinot Noir. This proportion is highly unusual for the region, essentially planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
With a desire to grow grapes in harmony with nature, Vilmart is committed to environmentally friendly viticulture. The house has obtained Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Quality) and Viticulture Durable (Sustainable Viticulture) certifications, and abides by the principles of Ampelos, an organization that promotes organic and sustainable viticulture throughout the region. Additionally, Laurent has prohibited the use of any herbicides or chemical fertilizers since taking over the estate. The qualities of patience, consistency and humility are essential to exalt the wines. Laurent Champs follows this philosophy in his pursuit of making the right choices in everything he undertakes, learning from previous experience. For him, it is also a form of honesty regarding his creations; he takes a measured approach to viticulture to enhance the quality of his wines. It has been said that Vilmart & Cie. is not only one of the greatest grower-producers in Champagne, but one of the finest champagne producers of any type in the region.
The 2014 is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, aged for 42 months before release. With intense, focused acidity, this sleek Champagne from a warmer vintage is fleshed out by rich, up-front spice, lime blossom and minerally oyster shell accents with dried white cherry and candied kumquat flavors.
