Champagne Domaine La Borderie was created in 2013 by Simon and Marie Normand. As brother and sister, they took over the family estate of 11.5 hectares, located around Bar-sur-Seine in the Côte des Bar. This is 160kms south of Reims and if you drive a further 162kms south you are in Beaune! For over 100 years the family sold their grapes to the big brands then in 2013 they produced 6000 bottles and now they are making over 20,000 bottles. Important to the family has been conservation of biodiversity their area in 2013 classified as "High Environmental Value" and additionally certified "Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne."

In the vineyard they are constantly looking for small yields and a high degree of ripeness of the grapes giving a high concentration of fruit in the champagnes. The winery is ultra modern, gravity fed and with each batch vinified separately. A little oak is used typically 5-15% of oak-fermented wines, the stainless steel fermented wines go through the malolactic fermentation whereas in barrels it is avoided. Oxidative style is not to Simon’s liking, tension and fruitiness very much are.

A feisty, pure and linear Pinot Noir from the steep north-facing slope bearing the interesting name De Quoi Te Meles Tu that translates to "This is none of your business." ... How the current landowner responded to his neighbours in the 1980's who at the time were ridiculing his choice of planting Pinot Noir on a north-facing clay terroir. Truly unique and irresistibly invigorating style for a Blanc de Noirs. A true visionary, not appreciated at the time!

Technical Information:
Vineyards: Bar-sur-Seine - Single Vineyard: De Quoi Te Meles Tu (north facing)
Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: 15% barrel fermented no MLF & 85% fermented in stainless steel with MLF
Lees Ageing: 2.5 years
Dosage: 3 g/l
Disgorged: 30th November 2020
Base vintage: 2017
Production: 1,600 bottles
Drink: Now to 2025

Tasting Note: Lots of bright red fruits, really expressive, then you see hints of smoky character and some dark cherry and black fruits. The palate shows lots of fruit, pink grapefruit, blackcurrant, wild strawberry and heady notes of honeysuckle, pepper and sweet spices. Youthful champagne with a good balance of fruit and delicacy that works well as it is bright and refreshing on the palate.

The family’s 11.5 hectares of vines in seven villages around Bar-sur-Seine in Côtes des Bar are still mainly growing grapes for the big players, but step-by-step the duo is increasing own production. ‘In 2013 we made 6.000 bottles but in 2019 already 15.000 bottles.’ It is especially the export markets that have found La Borderie Champagnes, as the lion’s share, 70%, are sold abroad.

But why call it ‘La Borderie’ atypically for champagne that mainly carries its maker’s name? ‘Well, the name Champagne Normand wouldn’t really work…’ Simon reasons, but an adopted name also gave them the chance to communicate more about their project. ‘Historically la borderie was used to refer to a small farm, and this in essence what we are, an estate that does not purchase grapes.’ The name also accurately reflects the Burgundian influences witnessed at the domaine.

The identity of each plot and their respective cuvées are carefully isolated. Only 1.5 hectares are now nurtured to grow grape’s for the domaine’s own needs. Highly sustainable and approaching organic ways, great interest is also directed in preserving both biodiversity and landscape at La Borderie.

Technically skilled and meticulous, Simon is clearly driven towards perfecting each aspect of their operation. With the different cuvées possessing only 5-15% of oak-fermented wines, the house style is squeaky-clean, beautifully precise and deliciously fruit-driven. The stainless steel fermented wines go through the malolactic fermentation whereas in barrels it is avoided. Oxidative style is not to his liking whereas tension and fruitiness very much are.