Heart of the Valley: Tasting of 4 Rare and Atypical Champagnes

Discover the Unique Charm of Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire’s Champagne Tasting

This tour offers a focused, one-hour tasting session featuring 4 distinct Champagnes crafted by the historic Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire in the heart of Champagne, France. The experience is ideal for those interested in exploring rare and atypical Champagne styles that skip malolactic fermentation, emphasizing freshness, authenticity, and minerality.

The guided tasting takes place at the family-owned estate in Hautvillers, a village renowned as the birthplace of champagne. With just four glasses to sample, this tour provides an intimate look into the production of high-quality, cellar-worthy wines, all in a setting that’s easy to fit into a busy travel schedule. The price is accessible, and flexible cancellation policies make it a convenient choice for visitors seeking a memorable yet straightforward champagne experience.

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Key Points

• One-hour guided tasting of 4 rare and atypical Champagnes.
• Focus on wines without malolactic fermentation, offering freshness and minerality.
• Hosted at Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire in Hautvillers, a historic champagne village.
• Includes a Blanc de Meuniers, traditional Champagne, Rosé de Saignée, and Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs.
• Family-run estate with over five generations of experience.
• Accessible with parking and a dedicated space for children.

The Historic Roots of Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire in Hautvillers

The estate’s story begins in the late 19th century within Hautvillers, the village credited as the birthplace of champagne. The Lemaire family has carried on the tradition for five generations, specializing in producing wines without malolactic fermentation, which results in crisper, more authentic flavors.

This family is also committed to sustainability, earning the High Environmental Value (HEV) classification since 2018. Their terroir is situated exclusively on the south bank of the Marne Valley, with clay-limestone soils that stretch from Hautvillers 1er Cru to Villers-sous-Châtillon. This focus on local terroir and traditional methods shapes the unique profile of their champagnes.

The Guided Tasting Experience in Hautvillers

The tour begins at the designated venue, where signs mark the meeting point with coordinates 49.09505844116211, 3.7997939586639404. The guided tasting is led by knowledgeable staff who explain the nuances of each champagne. Attendees sample up to four glasses, each showcasing a different style within the maison’s portfolio.

A highlight is the Cuvée Select, a rare Blanc de Meuniers that emphasizes the estate’s craft in a less common grape variety. The Cuvée Trianon offers a more traditional Champagne experience, while the Rosé de Saignée presents a rare, no-added-red-wine style. The Cuvée Millésime Hautes-Prieres features a Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs, showcasing Chardonnay from top-quality vineyards.

What Makes the Champagne Selection Special?

This collection emphasizes wines crafted without malolactic fermentation, setting them apart from typical Champagnes that often undergo this process. The result is a more vibrant and mineral-driven profile, appreciated for its freshness and authentic expression.

The rare and atypical nature of two of the included champagnes makes this tasting particularly attractive for enthusiasts eager to discover unique styles. The absence of filtration and fining further preserves the wines’ purity and complexity, allowing the true character of the grapes and terroir to shine through.

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Accessibility and Practical Details

The meeting point is easy to find, with parking available on-site. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a special space for kids is provided, making it suitable for families. The duration of one hour fits well into a broader sightseeing plan, and live guides speak English and French.

Guests can reserve in advance with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. The reserve now, pay later option offers extra convenience, allowing travelers to secure a spot without immediate payment.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Champagne Aficionados

For those interested in learning about the nuances of Champagne production, this tour provides a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind rare, high-quality bottles. The guided commentary helps demystify the complex wine-making process and highlights the distinctive qualities of wines made without malolactic fermentation.

The family-owned estate adds a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond a typical tasting. Visitors leave with a better understanding of terroir, tradition, and the art of crafting authentic Champagne. The positive review praising the remarkable quality of the champagnes underscores the value and authenticity of this experience.

The Sum Up: An Intimate and Educational Champagne Tasting in Hautvillers

This one-hour guided tasting offers a well-curated selection of 4 rare and atypical Champagnes crafted by a family with over five generations of expertise. The focus on preserving authenticity through no malolactic fermentation, filtration, or fining results in wines rich in minerality and freshness.

Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking to expand their palate with unique styles or visitors eager to understand traditional Champagne craftsmanship, this tour combines history, education, and delicious wine in a welcoming setting. The convenient location, flexible booking, and positive reviews make it a solid choice for a memorable Champagne experience in Grand Est.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, there is a special spot for kids on the premises, making it suitable for family visits.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start date, allowing for full refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring most guests can participate comfortably.

What styles of Champagne will I taste?
You will sample a Blanc de Meuniers, traditional Champagne, Rosé de Saignée, and a Blanc de Blancs, each offering a distinct profile emphasizing freshness and minerality.

How long is the tasting session?
The entire experience lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing or other activities.

Where does the tour take place?
The tasting is held at Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire in Hautvillers, in the Grand Est region of France.

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