Pierre Courtois Champagne

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 Meunier grapes, is the cradle of a deeply-rooted Champagne tradition. The estate’s founder, Pierre Courtois, driven by a sincere passion for the land and wine, decided to produce his own champagne after several years of growing grapes 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 helm of the business. With rigour and dedication, Michael carries on his father’s legacy whilst bringing a contemporary vision to the art of winemaking. The winery is deliberately kept on a human scale, enabling it to maintain its artisanal approach, with every stage of production carried out on site: from vine cultivation to winemaking, including pressing, ageing, bottling and disgorging. This complete autonomy is rare in Champagne, and guarantees great consistency and an authentic expression of terroir in every cuvée.

A multifaceted, living terroir, serving to bring out the character of the grape varieties

The vineyards of Maison Pierre Courtois cover around 6 hectares, spread across several communes in the Marne Valley: Crouttes-sur-Marne, Charly-sur-Marne and Villiers-Saint-Denis. These plots of land are geologically rich, making them ideal for producing complex, well-balanced champagnes. The hillsides consist of clay-limestone marl, known for imparting finesse and minerality to the wines, whilst the sandier areas on the plains give the grapes a certain roundness and aromatic ripeness. The estate’s principal grape variety is Meunier, which is 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 grass cover, tillage and reduced use of chemicals. Each plot is individually monitored and tended, according to its soil, aspect 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 with character, combining aromatic finesse and terroir identity

The range of champagnes offered by Maison Pierre Courtois stands out for its stylistic consistency: 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 is a blend of 65 per cent Meunier, 30 per cent Chardonnay and 5 per cent Pinot Noir, including 40 per cent reserve wines aged on lees. This cuvée captivates with its aromas of stewed yellow fruit – quince, mirabelle plum, apricot – enhanced by subtle brioche notes. On the palate, the wine is generous, balanced by a lively mouthfeel and fine bubbles that lend it a creamy texture. For lovers of more refined champagnes, we offer the Ex Atris Uvis cuvée, available as a 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 distinct aromas of red fruit, citrus and ginger, and a taut mineral structure that prolongs the tasting experience. Finally, the Rosé, blended with around 17 per cent 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 full-bodied, invigorating mouthfeel, carried by a subtly salty finish. Each cuvée is carefully balanced to ensure harmony and elegance, allowing the terroir to express itself fully.

A strong commitment to the environment, reflected in our architecture and practices

Maison Pierre Courtois does not merely pay lip service to respect for nature: it puts this 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 vineyards. This pioneering approach in Champagne was conceived in collaboration with architect Thierry Bonne, a specialist in sustainable construction. The choice of raw earth is no coincidence: it significantly reduces the site’s carbon footprint, whilst ensuring excellent thermal inertia and seamless integration into the landscape. The building, understated yet warm, embodies a contemporary vision of the wine-growing profession, where people, nature and architecture interact harmoniously. This bold move, both technical and symbolic, reflects a desire for consistency between the company’s values and its practical 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, the use of recyclable corks, lighter bottles… These are all carefully considered choices, in line with a new generation of Champagne winemakers concerned about the future of their region.

Conclusion

Combining family tradition, a 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 expertise of a family that has been dedicated to its craft for several generations. With a resolutely forward-looking approach, Pierre Courtois proves that quality, identity and responsibility can go hand in hand to produce exceptional champagnes, imbued with character and finesse.