Champagne Courtois — Winegrowers in the Marne region since 1971
Based in Crouttes-sur-Marne in the Marne Valley, the Courtois estate cultivates 6 hectares of vines across three communes, with clay-limestone subsoils that lend richness and vibrancy, and sandy soils at the foot of the hillsides, which impart fluidity and lightness. From this dual terroir emerges a distinctive style: fresh, sensual, elegant and indulgent — a signature sealed by an exceptional ageing period of 4 to 7 years on racks before disgorgement, whereas many winegrowers are content with the legal minimum. The signature blend is based on 65 per cent Pinot Meunier, the aromatic cornerstone of the Marne, complemented by 30 per cent Chardonnay and 5 per cent Pinot Noir, with 40 per cent reserve wines ensuring a consistency and depth that the major wine merchants struggle to match at this price point.
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The Courtois vintages — A Marne terroir in four expressions
The Courtois range comprises four wines. The Brut, predominantly Meunier and blended with 40 per cent reserve wines, is ideal as an aperitif or with oysters and seafood. The Rosé, fruity and full-bodied, pairs well with fine charcuterie and roast poultry. The Blanc de Blancs, crisp and mineral, brings out the best in scallops and risottos. The Demi-Sec, elegantly balanced, pairs well with fruit-based desserts or blue-veined cheese.
Served between 8 and 10 °C in a tulip-shaped glass to fully release their aromas, Courtois cuvées reveal their complexity after a few more years in a cool cellar. Non-vintage cuvées can be kept for 3 to 5 years; vintage cuvées have a longer ageing potential.
Order the full Courtois range from Pépites en Champagne — an artisanal selection, beautifully packaged, with express delivery throughout France and Europe.
Courtois — Local character and tradition at the heart of the Marne
Pierre Courtois founded the estate in 1971 in Crouttes-sur-Marne, a commune which today accounts for 68 per cent of the family’s vineyards, with the remaining 32 per cent divided between Villiers-Saint-Denis (20 per cent) and Charly-sur-Marne (12 per cent). In 2013, Michael Courtois took over the estate and steered it towards full control of the production chain, from vine to bottle, whilst implementing a concrete, eco-responsible approach that is rare in the region.
The cellar, built from rammed earth — an ancient material made from raw earth taken from the vineyards themselves — provides naturally stable ageing conditions. Following gentle pneumatic pressing and eight months’ ageing in stainless-steel vats with natural malolactic fermentation, the champagnes are left to mature on racks for four to seven years before being released for sale.
Your questions about Courtois champagnes
Why does Pinot Meunier dominate Courtois’s blends?
The Marne Valley is the historic heartland of Pinot Meunier, a grape variety that expresses itself to the full on the clay-limestone soils of Crouttes-sur-Marne. Making up 65 per cent of the signature blend, it brings the fruitiness, roundness and rich, indulgent character typical of Marne champagnes — balanced by 30 per cent Chardonnay, which adds tension and length on the palate.
What food and wine pairings go well with Courtois champagne?
The Brut is at its best as an aperitif or with oysters and fish tartares. The Rosé pairs well with fine charcuterie and roast poultry. Blanc de Blancs is ideal with scallops or a mushroom risotto. Demi-Sec pairs well with lightly sweetened desserts or blue-veined cheese.
How should Courtois champagne be served and stored?
Serve Courtois champagnes at between 8 and 10 °C in a tulip-shaped glass or a wide flute to preserve the aromas. Once opened, a champagne stopper will keep the bubbles fresh for 24 to 48 hours in the fridge. Unopened, non-vintage cuvées can be kept for 3 to 5 years in a cool cellar at 12 °C; vintage cuvées have a much longer ageing potential.
Where can I buy Courtois champagne online?
Discover the full Courtois range at Pépites en Champagne — a selection of artisan products, expert advice and express delivery throughout France and Europe.
Does the Courtois estate have an environmentally responsible approach?
Under Michael Courtois, who took over in 2013, the estate has embraced an eco-friendly approach that is evident even in its architecture: the cellar is built from rammed earth, a material made from raw earth taken from the vineyards themselves. This understated approach, deeply rooted in the terroir, reflects a commitment to the natural world that goes far beyond mere certifications.
Do Courtois champagnes offer good value for money?
Brut Courtois, available from €16, has been recognised by UFC-Que Choisir as one of the best cuvées in its category. An artisanal champagne aged for 4 to 7 years on slats, blended with 40 per cent reserve wines — a level of care that the major houses do not achieve at this price point.
About
Champagne Courtois — the essentials
- Location
- Crouttes-sur-Marne, Vallée de la Marne
- Grape varieties
- Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Cuvées
- Champagne Brut, Champagne Demi-Sec, Champagne Rosé, Champagne Blanc de Blancs
