Champagne François Secondé

For centuries, Sillery has been known as the region which produces some of the most sought after Champagnes in the world. Right at the heart of this renowned terroir, you will find Champagne François Secondé, a vineyard covering an area of just over 5 hectares and located in Sillery, Mailly-Champagne, Puisieulx, and Verzenay. François Secondé is an independent wine maker (vigneron independant), and the only récoltant manipulant (one whose grapes are not sourced, but come from his own vineyard) and producer of pure Sillery Champagne.

At the age of 14, François Secondé left school and started to work as an apprentice in a vineyard. He bought his first vineyard in 1972, and in 1976, he increased his plot to 3 hectares. With the help of his wife Anne-Marie, he started producing his own Champagne. Today, Champagne François Secondé vineyard is 5.5 hectares and harvests two grape varietals: 2/3 Pinots noir, and 1/3 Chardonnay. The vines are 37 years of age on average and are farmed in a sustainable way with respect to both nature and man.  As of 2023, François Secondé uses zero herbicides or insecticides on the entire vineyard.

Sillery became renowned at the beginning of the 17th century thanks to Nicolas Brûlart–owner of Sillery Castle and vineyard. He was Henry IV’s Chancellor and this connection helped him to get his wine tasted by the king and his inner circle. At its peak in the 18th century, Sillery’s reputation was reported by Edme Béguillet, attorney to the parliament of Dijon, oenologist, and famous for his dislike of Champagne’s wine makers. He said of Sillery wines that “their quality is so superior that only the king deserves them”.

Cru: Sillery

Average Age of Vines: 38 years

Location: Montagne de Reims

Grape Varietals: 2/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Chardonnay, and 30% reserve wines

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation

Maturation: 18-24 months with manual riddling

Base Vintage: 2017

Dosing to Disgorgement: 8 g/l

Characteristics: Golden yellow hue, highlighted by a string of sparkling bubbles. The nose is mineral and floral with notes of freshly baked pastries. The palate is balanced with hints of rich, lightly toasted brioche, and exotic fruit. To be served chilled at a temperature of about 8 °C.

Awards: 

• Silver Medal Decanter World Wine Awards 2019
• Silver Medal 2012 Independant Winemakers Competition
• Silver Medal 2014 Brussels World Competition

Cru: Sillery

Average Age of  Vines: 38 years

Location: Montagne de Reims

Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir with 20% reserve wines

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation

Maturation: 24 months with manual riddling

Base Vintage: 2017

Dosage to Disgorgement: 8 g/l

Yield: 4,000 bottles per year

Characteristics: Clean, well-defined rosé; floral, subtle, quite pure, with a creamy texture on the palate.  The bubbles have finesse and linger on the tongue. Serve as an aperitif or with desserts made with red fruit.

Awards:

• Gold Medal 2014 Paris General Agriculture Competition
• Gold Medal 2015 Paris General Agriculture Competition
• Silver Medal 2015 Independant Winemakers Competition

Cru: Sermiers 1er Cru

Average Age of the Vines: 20 years old

Location: This plot is located on the north side of the Montagne de Reims

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vinification: Completed in tanks with the use of malolactic fermentation.

Aging: Aged in vats and in barrels.  18 months in cellar.  Manual riddling.

Dosage: 5 g/l

Annual Yield: 1,000 bottles per year

Tasting Notes: Mineral and floral, with a creamy texture and very fine bubble.

Serving Suggestion: Perfect when served as an aperitive or with a meal.  Serve in large glasses in order for the Champagne to be fully expressed.

Cru: Sillery Grand Cru

Location: Montagne de Reims

Age of the Vines: 47 years old (this Champagne is produced from 1 single plot)

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation in tanks followed by a period in barrels. No filtration.

Aging: The wine is left to rest in the cellar for a minimum of 36 months with manual riddling.

Dosage: 8g/l

Tasting Notes: Clear, brilliant golden color with intense and persistent bubbles. The bouquet is powerful and fresh with aromas of acacia, candied fruit, and honeysuckle. The mouth is elegant, with notes of white flowers, spice, and citrus. Very beautiful aromatic persistence; balanced and harmonious.

Serving Suggestion: Excellent as an aperitif or to accompany lobster or white meats.

Cru: Sillery Grand Cru

Location: Montagne de Reims; this cuvée is produced from the finest Pinot Noir plots in Sillery

Average Age of the Vines: 38 years old

Varietal Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation in tanks, followed by a brief period in barrels.

Aging: 18-24 months with manual riddling

Base Vintage: 2016

Dosage: 8 g/l

Average Yield: 2,000 bottles/year

Tasting Notes: Golden yellow color. The fineness of this Champagne is evident beginning with the quality of the bubbles which form a persistent mousse at the rim. Powerful yet refined on the nose, the bouquet opens with notes of red fruit and fresh pastries. On the palate, there is a delightful effervescence which complements the unctuous, fruity quality of this Champagne. Very well balanced cuvée which can be consumed either as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to the main meal.

Awards:

• Silver Medal IWC (International Wine Challenge) 2019
• Silver Medal DECANTER World Wine Awards 2019

Location: The village of Puisieulx was classified as Grand Cru; the vineyard has a surface area of less than 18 hectares and is positioned towards the southeast. The soil is light and chalky.

Average Age of Vines: 47 years

Grape Varietals: 50 % Chardonnay, 50 % Pinot Noir

Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation

Maturation: 24 months minimum

Base Vintage: 2016

Characteristics: Intense nose and fine aromas of mature fruit with a touch of vanilla. Delicate on the palate with a beautiful minerality

Cru: Sillery

Grape Varietals: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sillery

Vinification: Vinification in wooden vats and barrels with malolactic fermentation; unfiltered

Maturation: Aged in wooden barrels for at least one year before bottling

Characteristics: Golden color, aromas of citrus, vanilla, and exotic fruit on the nose. The attack is fresh, and this vintage holds its body well on the finish. Pairs well with cold starters, oysters, as well as fresh chevre. Served chilled at 7-8 ° C.

Cru: Sillery Grand Cru

Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Average Age of the Vines: 60 years old

Location: Montagne de Reims

Vinification: Long fermentation with 2 pumpings per day; Vinification in wooden vats and barrels with malolactic fermentation; Unfiltered.

Maturation: Aging in wooden barrels and vats for at least one year

Characteristics: Ruby red color; this wine is fresh, fruity, and light. Drink now with grilled meat or red fruit desserts. Served chilled at 8 °C

Clavier Brut