Nestled in the heart of the Marne Valley, Champagne Pierre Courtois is a family-run business founded in 1971 in Crouttes-sur-Marne. For several generations, it has cultivated excellence through authentic champagnes, produced with respect for the terroir, traditions and an eco-responsible approach. Combining traditional know-how with a contemporary vision, the company embodies the elegance and sincerity of a winemaker's champagne.
A family history rooted in the Marne Valley
The Pierre Courtois Champagne House is a family-run winery founded in 1971 in the village of Crouttes-sur-Marne, in the western part of the Marne Valley. This area, renowned for its rich wine-growing heritage and the quality of its Meuniers, is the cradle of a deeply-rooted Champagne tradition. At the origin of the estate, Pierre Courtois, driven by a sincere passion for the land and wine, decided to produce his own champagne after several years growing vines for cooperatives. His first cuvée was launched in 1973. This launch marked the beginning of a family adventure that continues today with his son, Michael Courtois, now at the head of the business. With rigor and commitment, Michael perpetuates his father's heritage while bringing a contemporary vision to the winemaking profession. The winery is deliberately kept on a human scale, enabling it to maintain its artisanal approach, mastering all stages of production on site: from vine cultivation to vinification, including pressing, wine ageing, bottling and disgorging. This total autonomy is rare in Champagne, and guarantees great consistency and an authentic expression of terroir in each cuvée.
A multiple, living terroir, at the service of grape variety expression
The vineyards of Maison Pierre Courtois cover around 6 hectares, spread over several communes in the Marne Valley: Crouttes-sur-Marne, Charly-sur-Marne and Villiers-Saint-Denis. These parcels of land are geologically rich, making them ideal for the production of complex, well-balanced champagnes. The hillsides are made up of clay-limestone marl, known for bringing finesse and minerality to the wines, while the more sandy plain areas give the grapes a certain roundness and aromatic ripeness. The estate's king grape variety is Meunier, particularly well-suited to this region thanks to its resistance to frost and its ability to produce fruity, supple and generous wines. It is often complemented by Chardonnay, which brings freshness and elegance, and Pinot Noir, which contributes to the structure of the blends. The vines are cultivated with the utmost respect for the environment, using sustainable farming practices such as grassing, tillage and reduced chemical inputs. Each plot is individually observed and cared for, according to its soil, exposure and age, with the aim of producing healthy, balanced and expressive grapes. This attention to detail is reflected in the precision of the resulting champagnes.
Champagnes of character, between aromatic finesse and terroir identity
The range of champagnes offered by Maison Pierre Courtois stands out for its stylistic coherence: sincere, straightforward, precise wines that highlight the fruit and typicity of the terroir without artifice. Among the house's flagship cuvées, the Brut is an excellent ambassador. It's a blend of 65% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir, including 40% reserve wines aged on lees. This cuvée seduces with its aromas of stewed yellow fruit - quince, mirabelle plum, apricot - enhanced by lightly brioche notes. On the palate, the wine is generous, balanced by a lively texture and fine bubbles that give it a creamy texture. For lovers of more refined champagnes, we offer the cuvée Ex Atris Uvis, available in single-varietal Meunier or Pinot Noir, with a very low dosage (extra-brut at 2 g/l). This cuvée, both intense and delicate, highlights the purity of the grape variety, with frank aromas of red fruit, citrus and ginger, and a taut mineral framework that prolongs the tasting experience. Finally, the Rosé, blended with around 17% Pinot Noir red wine, stands out for its gourmet aromas and freshness on the palate. Raspberry, wild strawberry, pomelo and floral notes combine in a fleshy, invigorating mouthfeel, carried by a subtly saline finish. Each cuvée is carefully measured to ensure harmony and elegance, allowing the terroir to express itself fully.
A strong ecological commitment, embodied in our architecture and practices
Maison Pierre Courtois doesn't just talk about respect for nature: it puts it into practice, both in the management of its vineyards and in the design of its buildings. In 2019, Michael Courtois built a new cellar and an original reception area, made from raw earth taken directly from the soil of his vines. This pioneering approach in Champagne was conceived with architect Thierry Bonne, a specialist in ecological construction. The choice of raw earth is not insignificant: it considerably reduces the site's carbon footprint, while ensuring excellent thermal inertia and perfect integration into the landscape. The building, sober and warm, embodies a contemporary vision of the winegrowing profession, where man, nature and architecture interact harmoniously. This strong gesture, both technical and symbolic, reflects a desire for coherence between the values of the company and its concrete actions. Beyond this architectural project, the company is also working to reduce its environmental impact throughout the entire production chain: limiting chemical treatments, rational water management, use of recyclable corks, lighter bottles... These are all well-considered choices, in line with a new generation of Champagne winemakers concerned about the future of their region.
Conclusion
Combining family tradition, deep respect for the terroir and a commitment to the environment, Champagne Pierre Courtois fully embodies the art of authentic, sustainable champagne. Each bottle reflects not only the richness of the Marne Valley, but also the passion and know-how of a family dedicated to its craft for several generations. With a resolutely forward-looking approach, Pierre Courtois proves that quality, identity and responsibility can perfectly rhyme to offer exceptional champagnes, imbued with character and finesse.