Émile Grados

The Émile Grados estate in the terroir of Les Riceys is run today by the siblings Florent and Soazick Grados in the fifth generation. Named after their great-grandfather, the domaine brings together artisanal tradition and a forward-looking closeness to nature.

The parcels, two hectares in total, are farmed according to organic principles. To promote biodiversity in the vineyard and maintain a natural balance, the family relies on agroforestry: trees and shrubs are planted between the rows of vines. The soils of Les Riceys consist mainly of deep Kimmeridgian limestone and layers of clay and marl, which give the grapes their pronounced mineral freshness. The focus of the plantings is Pinot Noir, with smaller amounts of Chardonnay also playing a part.

Florent gives the wines plenty of room to develop in their own way by fermenting them with wild yeasts. The result is wines with character, salinity and length – though only 5,000 bottles a year. Anyone looking for a high-quality Blanc de Noirs with a clear origin and a natural profile will find Émile Grados one of the most remarkable discoveries in Champagne.