Agrapart & Fils
Champagne
Address:
17 Rue de la Champagne, 51190 Avize, France
Website:
Winemaker:
Pascal Agrapart
First Vintage:
1986
Accepts Visitors:
Special Request
PRESTIGE
4
Summary
Agrapart & Fils is a celebrated Champagne producer, steadfast in its commitment to expressing the nuance and character of its terroir through meticulous viticulture and traditional winemaking methods. Rooted in the prestigious Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, France, Agrapart & Fils specializes in crafting exquisite blanc de blancs Champagnes, primarily from Chardonnay grapes.
The winery was established by the Agrapart family, vignerons for generations, who have cultivated their passion and expertise for champagne creation since the 19th century. Pascal Agrapart, the current proprietor and winemaker, has propelled the family domaine's reputation to new heights through his dedication to quality and artisanal approach.
The vineyards of Agrapart & Fils encompass around 12 hectares, spread across prime Grand Cru villages such as Avize, Oger, Cramant, and Oiry. The soils in these regions are predominantly chalky, offering excellent drainage and reflecting sunlight, which contributes to the distinct minerality and complexity in the wines. The domaine practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, though it's not officially certified, which ensures the health of the vineyard ecosystem and the authenticity of the wine's expression of its place of origin.
The winemaking philosophy at Agrapart & Fils is grounded in respect for nature and tradition. They utilize indigenous yeasts for fermentation and typically conduct malolactic fermentation, which introduces a creamy texture and complexity to the final product. Aging occurs in a mix of stainless steel tanks and used oak barrels, allowing the wines to develop their character without overpowering the inherent flavors of the fruit.
The attention to detail extends into the cellar, where the wines are left to mature on their lees for an extended period, often far longer than the legal minimum required for Champagne. This process enhances the Champagne's depth and structure, contributing to its potential for aging. Disgorgement and dosage are performed meticulously, with each cuvée receiving a level of sugar that complements its innate profile.
Agrapart & Fils produces a range of Champagnes, from the fresh and lively "Les 7 Crus," made from a blend of fruit sourced from seven different villages, to the single-vineyard "L'Avizoise" and "Minéral," which beautifully showcase the distinctiveness of their specific terroirs. The house's prestige cuvée, "Venus," is a testament to ultra-traditional methods, being farmed from a single plot with horse-ploughed vines and bottled without filtration.
Visitors to Agrapart & Fils can expect to immerse themselves in the intimate and authentic experience of a family-run winery. Tastings are often conducted by the family members themselves, who passionately share their knowledge and craft. The commitment to excellence is palpable, and the finesse of their Champagnes is a delight to connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike who seek a genuine connection with the land and its produce.
In summary, Agrapart & Fils stands as a beacon of quality in the world of Champagne, combining generations of savoir-faire with a profound respect for the earth to produce sparkling wines that are not merely consumed but experienced and remembered.