Vilmart Champagne begun as early as 1890, but it was perhaps not until the 1980s that the wines truly began to shine. Laurent Champs took over the small 11ha vineyard, based in Rilly-La-Montagne, from his father Rene, an artist and craftsman of great skill (the house and hugely impressive stained glass window are testament to this). Laurent is a perfectionist and creates his wonderful Champagne with an expressed respect of the natural environment. Using just Pinot Noir and Chardonnay his wines, made with meticulous care, are fermented in frequently large oak casks. It is the Northern Montagne grapes that provides the rich backbone of fruit and the fresh acidity that characterise the Vilmart range.
Starting with the delicious NV Grande Reserve, perfect for 'everyday' drinking, his wines reach a wonderful level of quality with the vintage Grand Cellier d'Or.
Not only is Laurent a charming and hugely skilful winemaker but Vilmart has commonly been seen as one of the estates setting the gold standard for grower Champagne. Without doubt Laurent's wines put many a more branded and expensive Champagne in the shade!