A know-how passed on from generation to generation since 1878

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February 2024

Champagne Côte des Blancs

Since October, the level of precipitation has broken the record in our department, Marne, for the last twenty years.

This incessant rain complicates work in the vineyards because of the very muddy terrain. It is impossible to use tractors for tillage. The winegrowers toil every day in this permanent humidity and impatiently await the return of the sun.

However, this excess water is not entirely negative, because it helps fill our chalky basements. These reserves will be absorbed by the roots of the vine in dry, even very dry, weather.

From March 8 to 10, we will participate in the Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants de Bordeaux. The approach of this show reminds us that spring is not far away and that nature will be reborn again.

So let's be patient!

Laurent & Michelle Bénard-Louis

  • From generation to generation
  • A vineyard, countries
  • Know-how

From generation to generation...

In 1878, the Bénard-Pitois family starts to produce Champagne. Since then, a consistent drive has been passed on through generations : working the soil and the vine with respect, patience and precision.

Third generation of winemakers in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (just a few kilometers from the city of Epernay), Michelle and Laurent Bénard-Louis have continued the tradition and taken care of the family domain's management since 1991. Many extensions and renovations mixing tradition and modernity set the tempo of life in the domain.

Passionate about their work and connected to its multiple sides, Michelle and Laurent use their expertise and their talent to elaborate high-quality Champagne wines appreciated in France and abroad.

While waiting for the fourth generation...

A vineyard, multiple lands

Champagne Côte des Blancs Champagne Grande Vallée de la Marne

Our classified Grand Cru (Great Growth) or Premier Cru (First Growth) vineyard of 9.5 hectares is located on the hills of 6 villages in the Great Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs (Slope of the Whites) : Avenay Val d'Or, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Mutigny, Bergère-les-Vertus, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger.

Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay blossom on a calcareous soil specific to the area. The wine-growing is called "integrated", which means more environment-friendly.

Supported by vines that are 25 years old on average, grapes show the best of our plots' and varieties' potential.

Observe, Understand, Enrich...

The different steps for the elaboration of Bénard-Pitois Champagnes are constantly evolving.

The harvest begins when the winemaker observes that the grape has reached its full maturity. Selected daily depending on plots and places, the grape is sorted and slowly pressed to protect its whole aromatic potential.

The elaboration in small tanks is completed with an ageing in oak barrels for the Chardonnay. The blend is a crucial step for the Champagne's quality. Understand its details by combining expertise, experience and intuition is then essential.

Finally, the ageing for several years in the darkness of our cellars enriches our different batches.

Whether it is the pressing during the harvest, the blend of "Clear Wines" or the ageing in a cellar, each step can always be perfected.

  • The classic champagnes
  • The champagnes of exception
  • Around the champagne

The classic champagnes

In bottle

Brut
Carte Blanche

Brut
Réserve

Brut
Rosé

In magnum

Brut
Réserve

In jéroboam

Brut
Réserve

The champagnes of exception

In bottle

Demi-Sec
Gourmandine

Brut
Nature

Brut Millésime
Blanc de Blancs
2019

In magnum

Brut Millésime
2012
Currently unavailable.

Brut Millésime
Blanc de Blancs
2013
Currently unavailable.

Around the champagne

Flûtes
tasting

Hermetic
cork

Gift
box and bag
Currently unavailable.

Brut Réserve

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

Nobility of the blend, partial vinification in the wood for the Chardonnay, and high-standard features make the "Cuvée Réserve" the reference Champagne of the House. Savor it on every occasion. Brut Réserve is also available in half-bottles, magnums and jeroboam.

Eye

Clear and brilliant wine, light eye, old rose gold hue. The lively and fiery effervescence when served, gradually gives way to a carpet of bubbles on the surface of the wine.

Nose

Open and expressive with notes of dried fruits and dried flowers. When aired, touches of cocoa and lemon thyme.

Mouth

Lively, silky. The bubble is delicate. The aromatic expression ranges from tangerine and dried fruit (banana / apricot) to violet syrup. Tangy finish giving the wine a nice balance and good staying power.

2 Stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins – 2024 Edition

Brut Carte Blanche

75% Pinot Noir, 20 % Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier

It is the perfect expression when the traditional blend of the three Champagne varieties meets a Premier Cru (First Growth) local wine and the precision of a winemaker. A harmonious ensemble that guarantees the success of your aperitifs.

Eye

The effervescence and the delicate bubble brighten up the beautiful pink gold color.

Nose

You smell the citrus fruits (pink grapefruit and a touch of lemon) first. Then come acid hints and finally a touch of sweets (barley sugar, toffee apple)

Mouth

The fruit you smelled lingers in the mouth with hints of red reinette apple and a light noble bitter taste.

1 Stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins – 2021 Edition

Brut Nature

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

With no added sugar, this batch is made for enlightened amateurs seeking a Champagne without artifice. Taste it for the aperitif.

Eye

Vivid effervescence, very fine bubbles, pale gold yellow color, limpidity and brightness : everything in the Brut Nature attracts the eye.

Nose

It charms with white flower scents, discreet hints of fruits and a soft vanilla final note.

Mouth

Freshness and intensity prevail, brought by lemon and yellow grapefruit flavors. The final notes surprise with balance and purity.

Brut Millésime 2012

80 % Pinot Noir, 20 % Chardonnay

A Champagne for great tastings. You can serve it right now or after a few years in a cellar.

Eye

When you serve it, the vivid effervescence leaves a carpet of fine bubbles on the surface of the wine. The yellow gold color with light pinky reflections is sparkling.

Nose

Fine and delicate. The exposition to air opens with subtle hints of bread and pastries and ends with dried white flowers.

Mouth

Silky and perfectly balanced attack. The aromatic range goes from yellow fruits to eau de vie, cinnamon, soft spices and a hint of dried hay.

Brut Millésime Blanc De Blancs 2019

100% Chardonnay

Elaborated only with Chardonnay from the reference harvest of 2019. Completely mature today, it will go well with the finest dishes (noble fish, meat and light gravy...)

Available in bottles and magnum bottles

Eye

When you serve it, the vivid effervescence flows into a beautiful string of fine bubbles which enhances the limpid gold color.

Nose

The first expressive scent gives hints of slightly crystallized yellow fruits and Mirabelle plums in syrup. The exposition to air sets cinnamon, grilled, roasting and light tobacco hints free on the final notes.

Mouth

The attack is fresh. The judicious secondary fermentation is a part of the expression of yellow fruit flavors in perfect harmony with the smell. The slightly grilled final hints bring a delicate complexity.

Brut Rosé

25% Pinot Noir, 60% Chardonnay, 15% vinified in red wine Pinot Noir

This Pink Champagne was predominantly blended with Pinot Noir and its ageing reinforces the impression of power. Ideal for the aperitif or with a slightly acid dessert made from citrus fruit or rhubarb.

Eye

The color is intense pink with bright and pure shades of ruby red. The active effervescence supplies a large string of fine bubbles.

Nose

At first, you can smell slightly cooked red berries. When you expose it to air, hints of rose and soft spices stand out, before a touch of Nemours poppy.

Mouth

The wine is rich and expressive with flavors of red grapefruit and a touch of raspberry. This fresh and fruity batch seduces with the quality of its expression..

Brut Rosé LB

85% Chardonnay, 15% vinified in red wine Pinot Noir

Made original by its dominant Chardonnay feature, its elaboration with only one batch and its vinification in wood. For demanding amateur of Rosé, ideal to accompany your meals.

Eye

The delicate effervescence shapes a persistent string of fine bubbles. The beautiful pink color with purple reflections enhances the perfect limpidity of the wine.

Nose

Round and mature, the scents are tied to the ageing. The pastry butter and vanilla smells develop into hints of toffee apple to finish with a touch of licorice.

Mouth

The attack is dominated by freshness. The vanilla and licorice scents linger in the mouth with a clear final note.

Note of 90/100 given by Andreas Larsson for the Tasted 100% Blind – 2017 July

Demi-sec Gourmandine

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

The ageing in the wood of the Chardonnay and the semi-dry dosage make a round and expressive Champagne, best appreciated during a meal. And with Asian food, it is a pure delight!

Eye

The foam covers the surface of the wine with very fine bubbles. The pale gold color with light green reflections is crystal-clear.

Nose

Round and expressive, it reveals smells of sugary yellow fruits, hints of citrus and dried fruits and a touch of lemon acid drop.

Mouth

The aromatic expression lingers in the mouth. The acid notes balance perfectly the sugar and maintain the freshness in the end of the mouth.

Gold Medal in the Independent Winemaker Competition of 2012
Quotation in the 2012 guide of the best wines under 20€ of the RVF

Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2008

100% chardonnay

Eye

When you serve it, the vivid effervescence flows into a beautiful string of fine bubbles which enhances the limpid gold color.

Nose

The first expressive scent gives hints of slightly crystallized yellow fruits and Mirabelle plums in syrup. The exposition to air sets cinnamon, grilled, roasting and light tobacco hints free on the final notes.

Mouth

The attack is fresh. The judicious secondary fermentation is a part of the expression of yellow fruit flavors in perfect harmony with the smell. The slightly grilled final hints bring a delicate complexity.

2 Stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins – 2018 Edition

Millésime 2008

80% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay

Eye

When you serve it, the vivid effervescence leaves a carpet of fine bubbles on the surface of the wine. The yellow gold color with light pinky reflections is sparkling.

Nose

Fine and delicate. The exposition to air opens with subtle hints of bread and pastries and ends with dried white flowers.

Mouth

Silky and perfectly balanced attack. The aromatic range goes from yellow fruits to eau de vie, cinnamon, soft spices and a hint of dried hay.

A Champagne for great tastings. You can serve it right now or after a few years in a cellar.

Brut Réserve

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

Nobility of the blend, partial vinification in the wood for the Chardonnay, and high-standard features make the "Cuvée Réserve" the reference Champagne of the House. Savor it on every occasion. Brut Réserve is also available in half-bottles, magnums and jeroboam.

Eye

Clear and brilliant wine, light eye, old rose gold hue. The lively and fiery effervescence when served, gradually gives way to a carpet of bubbles on the surface of the wine.

Nose

Open and expressive with notes of dried fruits and dried flowers. When aired, touches of cocoa and lemon thyme.

Mouth

Lively, silky. The bubble is delicate. The aromatic expression ranges from tangerine and dried fruit (banana / apricot) to violet syrup. Tangy finish giving the wine a nice balance and good staying power.

1 Star in the Guide Hachette des Vins – 2018 Edition

News

A new museum "PRESSORIA" has just opened its doors in Aÿ-Champagne.

Located in the old pressing center of Maison Pommery at the foot of the slopes, it offers visitors, connoisseurs or neophytes, adults and children, to discover all the secrets of champagne and its wine region via an interactive and fun route, 'a duration of an hour and a half.

The course is made up of ten rooms that appeal to the five senses of visitors to transport them from “the earth to the bubble”, using clever technological processes.

The end of the visit concludes with a tasting of champagne or grape juice in front of the vineyard.

The Museum of Champagne Wine and Regional Archeology is located in Epernay on Avenue de Champagne, the city's most prestigious artery.

The museum opened its doors to the public in May 2021 within the Château Perrier.

The museum houses one of the most important collections of national archeology and a remarkable heritage on the history of champagne.


 

We are pleased to have obtained the HVE certification in September 2019.

HVE is an environmental certification from the Grenelle de l'Environnement. It is an official process, framed by law, and accessible to all farms and vineyards on a voluntary basis.

A certified and independent certification organism (for us, it is OCACIA) validates compliance with 125 commitment points, notably dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity, the regulation of effluents, or even the reduction of 'carbon footprint.


OT EPERNEY Hautvillers

Our house is :

  • open from Mondays to Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:30 am and from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • open on Saturdays by appointment only
  • close on Sundays and holidays

Discovery of 3 Champagnes : 11 € per person, offered from 21 € purchase per person (reserved for over 18s)

Please let us know about your visit if possible in order for us to welcome you in the best possible conditions.

We will reveal some of our secrets from the vine to the cellar during the tasting of our batches.

CHAMPAGNE L.BENARD-PITOIS

23 rue Duval  -   MAREUIL-SUR-AŸ
51160 AY-CHAMPAGNE

Tel : +33(0)3 26 52 60 28

E-mail : benard-pitois@wanadoo.fr

 

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