CHAMPAGNE GILLES PLANSON

Comprising 3 hectares of vineyards, this family-run estate is managed with sustainable viticulture practices. We meet Gilles and Nathalie Planson, the passionate owners of the estate.

From Agriculture to Viticulture

In 1984, at just 23 years old, Gilles Planson, then a tire sales representative, decided to rent vineyard land and purchase an old family farm dating back to 1800, located in Neuville in the Marne region. He also pursued a two-year course in viticulture and oenology alongside establishing himself on the estate. Over the next four years, he planted vines on the 1.5 hectares of rented land and acquired an additional 1.5 hectares of already planted parcels to expand his estate. Today, he manages over 3 hectares of vineyards using sustainable viticulture. Deeply respectful of the environment, he aims to adopt a more sustainable viticulture approach by minimizing the use of inputs. He produces the three main grape varieties of Champagne: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and predominantly Pinot Meunier. "Pinot Meunier is a fruity grape variety with a lot to offer; it adds roundness, length on the palate, and gourmet notes. That’s why we want to emphasize this variety," explains Gilles Planson. In addition to his viticulture activity, Gilles took over his parents' farm, located 80 km away, in 2003. Nathalie Planson, who had worked for the CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne) and the Marne Chamber of Agriculture, joined her husband in 2005 to assist with the estate. Together, they created two ranges of Champagnes : "Les Perles de la Vallée" and "Les Gourmands." The "Les Perles de la Vallée" range, named after the Vallée de la Marne, includes Perle de Nacre, Perle d'Ivoire, and Perle de Rosé. The Perle de Nacre cuvée, composed of 55% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 15% Chardonnay, is named for its pale, silky appearance, reminiscent of mother-of-pearl. It delights with its creamy bubbles and aromas of white flowers and citrus. This elegant Champagne is the perfect companion for an aperitif, a fish in beurre blanc, or a Bresse chicken with morels. The Perle d'Ivoire cuvée, composed of 85% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay, named after its bright yellow ivory-like hue, offers a refreshing taste with gourmet notes of pear and citrus. Ideal as an aperitif, this gastronomic Champagne also pairs well with a creamy chicken escalope or a fruit dessert. Finally, the Perle de Rosé cuvée, composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Meunier, boasts a beautiful salmon-pink hue with notes of raspberry and cherry, complemented by fine bubbles. This elegant Champagne enhances red fruit desserts like tiramisu or red fruit clafoutis.

In the "Les Gourmands" range, the rosé Sélection is named as such because the Planson couple meticulously selects the Meunier parcels to create this cuvée composed of 80% Meunier (including 18% Coteaux Champenois red from Meunier) and 20% Chardonnay (from the best vintages). This Champagne is highly original with its vinous structure, freshness, silky texture, and characteristic fruity notes of raspberry and wild strawberry. Thanks to its complexity, it can easily accompany a dinner from aperitif to dessert. The Prestige cuvée, composed of wines from the same year with a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier, represents finesse and elegance at its best. Its aromas of yellow fruits and brioche, with a citrus finish, pair perfectly with a Saint-Marcellin crumble or puff pastry bites with pears and Fourme d'Ambert cheese.

Oenotourism at the Heart of the Estate

In addition to managing two main activities, Gilles Planson takes the time to showcase his cuvées at fairs and exhibitions throughout the year. Gilles and Nathalie Planson, a dynamic couple with a flair for hospitality, ventured into oenotourism in June 2017 with the opening of a guesthouse for six people, featuring retro 1930s-1950s decor and certified by Gîtes de France, along with the introduction of various activities. Visitors can take a "Discovering the Vineyards and Grape Varieties" tour as well as a "Private Collection of Old Farming Equipment and Tools" tour in the museum they established, both followed by a Champagne tasting from Maison Gilles Planson. Additionally, Gilles and Nathalie also offer hiking trails through the vineyards, with the option to use an app that guides participants along the way. The concept? "To offer a timeless getaway through vineyards, forests, villages, and tastings of our typical Marne Valley Champagnes," they explain. So, if you're passing through Festigny, you now know where to stop!