Heart of the Valley: Tour of the Estate and Tasting of 4 champagnes

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick yet enriching experience
• Location: Grand Est, France, with a meeting point marked by clear signs at coordinates 49.09505844116211, 3.7997939586639404
• Exclusive Tastings: 4 different champagnes, including rare Blanc de Meuniers and a unique Rosé de Saignée
• Production Approach: Champagnes made without malolactic fermentation, filtration, or fining for a more authentic, mineral-driven flavor
• Family-Run Estate: Operated by Roger Constant Lemaire, a family with 5 generations of expertise in the Marne Valley
• Environmental Commitment: Recognized as High Environmental Value (HEV) since 2018

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience the Unique Heritage of Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire

The Heart of the Valley tour offers a compact yet detailed look into the estate’s craftsmanship, located in the Grand Est region of France. The 1.5-hour experience is designed to provide an authentic taste of their rare and atypical champagnes, crafted with a focus on purity and minerality. The estate’s commitment to avoiding malolactic fermentation, filtration, and fining results in champagnes that are fresh on the palate, with a longevity that allows some bottles to age as “vins de garde”. The estate has proudly maintained this family tradition across 5 generations.

Guests are welcomed at a convenient meeting point with clear signage, right in front of a large parking lot, making access straightforward. The estate is situated in the heart of Champagne, on the south bank, with soil consisting of clay-limestone extending from Hautvillers 1er Cru to Villers-sous-Châtillon. This terroir influences the distinctive mineral character of the champagnes produced here.

Guided Tour Through the Estate’s Historic Presses and Cellars

The tour begins with a guided walk through the estate, where visitors see both old and modern presses, vats, and cellars. The guides lead guests through the estate’s historic and contemporary equipment, offering insights into traditional and innovative production methods. The visit emphasizes the estate’s sustainable approach, underscoring their status as High Environmental Value (HEV) since 2018.

Expect to learn about how the family’s craftsmanship has been passed down over the years, with a focus on authenticity and respect for terroir. The estate’s setting and its clay-limestone soil contribute significantly to the minerality and freshness of the champagnes.

Tasting of Four Distinctive Champagnes with a Focus on Rarity

After the estate tour, guests enjoy a tasting of four glasses of champagnes, each offering a different style and unique qualities:

• Cuvée Select: A Blanc de Meuniers, described as rare and atypical, highlighting the estate’s innovative approach
• Cuvée Trianon: A traditional Champagne, representing classic styles from the region
• Rosé de Saignée: A rare and atypical rosé, made without red wine addition, emphasizing purity
• Cuvée Millésime Hautes-Prieres: A Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru, showcasing exceptional vineyard quality and aging potential

The emphasis on rare and atypical bottles demonstrates the estate’s dedication to distinctive, lesser-known styles that aren’t commonly found elsewhere. This selection offers a well-rounded experience of both traditional and innovative champagne styles.

The Significance of No Malolactic Fermentation in Production

A core feature of these champagnes is their production without malolactic fermentation. This process typically softens acidity and can add buttery notes, but here, it is avoided to preserve crispness and minerality. The result is champagnes with great freshness, marked by authenticity and a clean, lively palate.

Plus, because of this approach, the champagnes have improved preservation qualities, making some bottles suitable for long-term aging. This method also aligns with the estate’s environmental commitments and their focus on minimal intervention.

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How the Estate Combines Tradition with Sustainability

The estate’s long-standing family tradition is complemented by their recognition as a High Environmental Value (HEV) estate since 2018. This status reflects their effort to minimize environmental impact while preserving the natural qualities of their terroir.

The estate’s location on a clay-limestone soil from the Hautvillers 1er Cru to Villers-sous-Châtillon influences the mineral-rich profile of their champagnes. The combination of historical methods and modern sustainability practices creates a unique and responsible Champagne production.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Facilities

The tour departs from a clearly marked meeting point, with several signs guiding visitors. The large parking lot in front of the estate ensures easy access for guests arriving by car.

The estate also provides a designated play area for children, making it a family-friendly experience. The tour is conducted in English, Dutch, and French, with live guides providing engaging commentary throughout the visit.

Reservation Process and Flexibility

Reservations are flexible, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later, offering convenience for planning.

The 1.5-hour tour is scheduled at various times, and availability can be checked easily. This experience is suitable for those seeking a short, insightful visit into the world of rare, authentic Champagne.

Who Will Appreciate This Champagne Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts interested in exploring less common styles of Champagne, especially those made without malolactic fermentation. It appeals to visitors wanting a family-owned estate with a strong commitment to sustainability.

The small group size and personalized guides ensure an engaging and authentic experience, perfect for those who enjoy learning about the production process and tasting distinctive champagnes.

Final Take on the Heart of the Valley Tour

The Maison Roger-Constant Lemaire tour offers a compact yet comprehensive introduction to rare and atypical champagnes crafted with care and respect for tradition. The focus on no malolactic fermentation provides a crisp, mineral-driven tasting that sets these bottles apart from more conventional options.

While the experience lasts just 90 minutes, the depth of information and the quality of tastings make it a worthy investment for those eager to learn about authentic Champagne from a family estate committed to sustainability. It’s especially suited for visitors who value small-scale production and unique regional expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the estate has a play area for kids, making it appropriate for family visits.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides are available in English, Dutch, and French.

How many champagnes are tasted during the tour?
Guests taste 4 different champagnes, each offering a unique style.

Is parking available at the estate?
Yes, a large parking lot is right in front of the estate.

What makes the champagnes “rare and atypical”?
They are produced without malolactic fermentation, filtration, or fining, emphasizing freshness and minerality.

Can I buy bottles after the tour?
The data does not specify, but typically, estates offer options to purchase their champagnes on-site.

Who is the producer behind this experience?
The experience is provided by Roger Constant Lemaire, a family-run estate with five generations of expertise.

How environmentally friendly is the estate?
It has been classified as High Environmental Value (HEV) since 2018, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

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