Philippe Lancelot Champagne — Biodynamic, sulphur-free, Côte des Blancs
Philippe Lancelot is a winemaker from the Côte des Blancs who embodies a radical vision of champagne: allowing each plot to express itself, without artificial additives or added sulphur. Since taking over the family estate in 2007, he has meticulously managed a 4-hectare vineyard spread across the region’s finest terroirs — Cramant, Avize, Chouilly and the Hauts d’Épernay. Working alongside consultant Hervé Jestin since 2009, he began the transition to biodynamic farming in 2012 before completely phasing out added sulphur from the 2015 vintage onwards. The result: champagnes of striking purity, dosed as Extra Brut or Brut Nature, which bear the mineral character of belemnite chalk. With triple certification — AB Ecocert (2014), Demeter (2015) and Biodyvin (2020) — Philippe Lancelot has established himself as a leading figure in French biodynamic champagne.
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The Philippe Lancelot cuvées — Exceptional vineyards from Cramant to Avize
Philippe Lancelot’s range is a living map of the Côte des Blancs. Le Fond du Bâteau (Chouilly) reveals the fruity roundness and chalky freshness of this Premier Cru — a perfect match for oysters or pan-fried scallops. The Cramant cuvée expresses all the mineral tension of the eponymous Grand Cru, sublime with a truffle risotto or a mature Comté. Les Hauts d’Épernay opens with complex aromas, ideal as an aperitif or with roast poultry. Fine Fleur and Avize Les Chantereines complete a panorama of single-vineyard cuvées where sulphur-free Chardonnay achieves a rare level of expression.
These champagnes are best enjoyed at between 8 and 10 °C, in a tulip glass rather than a flute, to reveal their aromatic complexity. Their balance of acidity and body gives them an ageing potential of 5 to 10 years depending on the vintage — the 100 Pour Sang cuvée (2012) eloquently illustrating their capacity for development.
Discover the full selection of Philippe Lancelot champagnes at Pépites en Champagne — artisan winemakers, expert advice and careful delivery throughout France and Europe.
Philippe Lancelot — The transition to biodynamic wine-making and the terroirs of the Côte des Blancs
The estate traces its roots back to the 1970s, when it was founded by Philippe’s parents, Y. Lancelot and Wanner. Carrying on this family tradition, Philippe Lancelot took over the reins in 2007 and chose to radically rethink the approach to vineyard management. Across his 4 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Côte des Blancs, he has developed a plot-by-plot approach in which each cru reveals its own character, from the floral freshness of Chouilly to the chalky tension of Cramant.
Supported since 2009 by consultant Hervé Jestin, a pioneer of biodynamics in Champagne, Philippe Lancelot radically transformed his cellar practices. The Demeter certification obtained in 2015 — one of the most demanding in the wine world — validates an approach that prioritises the purity of the fruit and the uniqueness of the terroirs above all else. With no or minimal dosage and no added sulphur, every bottle is a statement of conviction.
Your questions about Philippe Lancelot champagnes
What is the difference between biodynamic champagne, organic champagne and so-called ‘natural’ champagne?
Organic farming certification (AB) prohibits the use of chemical inputs in the vineyard. Biodynamic farming goes a step further: inspired by Rudolf Steiner, it aims to revitalise the soil using natural preparations and the lunar calendar. Philippe Lancelot is certified by Demeter and Biodyvin, the two global benchmarks for biodynamic viticulture. The term ‘natural champagne’, however, has no legally protected definition.
What food and wine pairings go well with Philippe Lancelot champagne?
The Extra Brut and Brut Nature cuvées, with no added sulphur, pair perfectly: Le Fond du Bâteau (Chouilly) with oysters or sole meunière; Cramant with truffle risotto or a mature Comté; Avize Les Chantereines with roasted langoustines. To round off the meal, Fine Fleur pairs well with a hard cheese or a white fruit tart.
How should Philippe Lancelot champagne be served and stored?
Serve at between 8 and 10 °C, in a tulip glass or Riedel Champagne glass — wider than a flute — to allow the minerality to unfold. Store in the cellar at between 10 and 12 °C, away from light and vibrations. Biodynamic, sulphur-free vintages have an ageing potential of 5 to 10 years, provided they are stored at no more than 15 °C.
Where can I buy Philippe Lancelot champagne online?
Discover the full Philippe Lancelot range at Pépites en Champagne — an artisan selection, expert advice and express delivery throughout France and Europe.
Why is the Cramant Grand Cru terroir so special for Chardonnay?
Cramant is classified as 100 per cent Grand Cru on the Champagne classification scale. Its belemnite chalk subsoil — compact white chalk from the Cretaceous period — lends the Chardonnay a unique mineral tension, fresh acidity and exceptional length on the palate. Philippe Lancelot cultivates his plots here using biodynamic methods, further enhancing the expression of the limestone beyond what is achieved by estates practising conventional agriculture.
Which Philippe Lancelot vintage should you choose for a particular occasion?
For a festive aperitif, Les Hauts d’Épernay offers freshness and versatility. For a gourmet dinner, Cramant or Avize Les Chantereines stand out for their depth. For a prestigious gift or to build up your wine collection, Fine Fleur (2016) or 100 Pour Sang (2012) are exceptional vintages. Our Pépites advisers will guide you according to your dining plans and budget.
About
Champagne Philippe Lancelot — the essentials
- Founded in
- années 1970
- Founder
- Y. Lancelot et Wanner (parents de Philippe)
- House / owner
- Philippe Lancelot
- Location
- Côte des Blancs (Chouilly, Avize, Cramant, Épernay)
- Vineyard
- 4 ha
- Grape varieties
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Cellar master
- Philippe Lancelot (vigneron depuis 2007 ; consultant Hervé Jestin depuis 2009)
- Distinctions
- Agriculture Biologique AB Ecocert (2014), Demeter (2015), Biodyvin (2020)
- Cuvées
- Le Fond du Bâteau, Chouilly Plumecoq, Cramant, Hauts d'Épernay, Les Pommiers, 100 Pour Sang
