Among the visionary growers of Champagne, Cédric Bouchard of Roses de Jeanne stands as a true auteur. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that the purest expression of each vineyard is paramount. Unlike traditional Champenois blending techniques, Bouchard crafts each cuvée from a single grape, single parcel, and single vintage, allowing the terroir to shine through with remarkable clarity.
Born into a winemaking family, Cédric Bouchard first honed his expertise as a sommelier and caviste in Paris during the 1990s. Influenced by Burgundy’s focus on terroir, he returned to Champagne in 2000 to cultivate 1.09 hectares inherited from his father. Over the years, his holdings have grown to nearly four hectares, all farmed with meticulous care and a steadfast commitment to quality. Since 2014, all his Champagnes have been produced exclusively under the Roses de Jeanne label, in honour of his mother.
To preserve the authenticity of his wines, Bouchard employs meticulous techniques that enhance purity and precision:
- Vinification in Stainless Steel: Avoiding oak, which he likens to “makeup,” ensures an unaltered expression of fruit and terroir.
- No Chaptalization: He refrains from adding sugar during fermentation, maintaining the wine’s natural integrity.
- Minimal Intervention: His wines are vinified without filtering, fining, or cold stabilization, capturing the essence of each site.
- Lower Bottle Pressure: His Champagnes are bottled less than standard, producing a finer, more delicate bead.
- Zero Dosage: Without added sugar, the wines remain taut, dry, and profoundly mineral-driven.
Three key principles define Bouchard’s approach: One grape, one parcel, one year, always, no blending ever.
Bouchard’s vineyards, centred around Celles-sur-Ource except for Val-Vilaine in Polisy, are farmed using organic methods, though he eschews certification in favour of a practical, sustainability-focused approach. His commitment to viticulture includes:
- Low Yields: Averaging 20-30 hectoliters per hectare, among the lowest in Champagne.
- Hand-Harvesting: A dedicated team of 40 pickers ensures grapes are gathered at peak ripeness.
- Soil Management: Light ploughing and minimal intervention maintain soil health and vitality.
Cédric Bouchard is more than a winemaker; he is a pioneer who has redefined the boundaries of terroir-driven Champagne. His dedication to purity and precision has inspired a new generation of vignerons, proving that extraordinary wines can emerge from even the smallest, overlooked terroirs. Young bottles of Roses de Jeanne can benefit from decanting, allowing their layered complexity to unfold. With an unwavering vision, Bouchard continues to set new standards for craftsmanship in Champagne, crafting wines of exceptional depth, elegance, and authenticity.
For distribution in the UK. On-Trade Only.
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Official website:
https://champagne-rosesdejeanne.fr/
