Champagne Vilmart & Cie “Grand Cellier d’Or” 1er Cru Brut 2017

Founded by Désiré Vilmart in 1890, Vilmart & Cie has always been a ‘récoltant-manipulant’, which translates to ‘grower-producer’ and means that they make Champagne exclusively from their estate-owned vines. In 1995 the property was handed down to Laurent Champs, the fifth generation of the family to take the helm of the house. Located in Montagne de Reims, with Premier cru sites in Rilly-la-Montagne and Villers-Allerand, Vilmart & Cie’s holdings total just 11 hectares with vines averaging 35 years old. The Vilmart vineyard is notable for its mix of varietals, a majority of 60% Chardonnay with the remaining 40% planted to Pinot Noir. This proportion is highly unusual for the region which is most well known for its world-class Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  With a desire to grow grapes in harmony with nature, Vilmart is committed to environmentally friendly viticulture. The house has obtained Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Quality) and Viticulture Durable (Sust