Francis Cossy Cuvee Eclat Premier Cru Brut NV
(Champagne, France)

About the Winery:

Today, Sophie Cossy is responsible for about 7 hectares of vineyards, which are divided into 34 different plots. Her vineyard extends from Jouy-lès-Reims to Arcis-le-Ponsart, passing by Pargny-lès-Reims, Ville-Dommange, Courmas, Bouilly and Serzy-et-Prin. Following the valleys of Vesle and Ardre, it is part of the South domaines of Reims. The three main grape varieties are all present in the vineyards, with a dominance of the Pinot Meunier at 53%. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay make up the rest of the estate, with 32% and 15% respectively.

After having taken over the domaine Champagne F. Cossy, Sophie immediately made the decision to engage the estate in a progressive and transformative state of mind. She quickly put in place a series of experiments in her vineyards, in order to keep moving towards more and more environmentally friendly practices. Her father, before her, had already chosen to go down that road by, for example, ceasing the usage of pesticides.

Today, the soils of Sophie’s vineyards are worked in a manner that would let them breathe, renew themselves and, at the same time, nourish the vines and grapes in the best way possible. There is grass present between all the ranges of the plots of vines. If possible, the naturally growing of the grass is permitted, if not, a more controlled method is used.

Hedges have been kept or planted around the vineyards, so as to favor biodiversity and balance in nature. During her years of work, sustainable viticulture and respect for her terroir have not only become a reality, but also a philosophy. To this day, she still strives to go further, to question herself, to remain open-minded, to progress.

Notes From The Winemaker:

A perfect blend between the three traditional grape varieties of Champagne, the Cuvée Eclat originates mainly from the soils of the communes of Jouy-lés-Reims and Pargny-lés-Reims. A superb Cuvée for just the pleasure of tasting, it offers a fine and constant bubble, a bouquet which binds together a lovely freshness and nice maturity, not to mention a soft attack leaving you with a gorgeous final note!

“This Cuvée was a real challenge. It’s much easier to produce a great vintage Champagne than to successfully produce a great non-vintage blend! It took me several years to obtain the result I was looking for, and, I must confess, I am quite proud that I finally found it!”