Jacques Selosse

Jacques Selosse is a prestigious Champagne producer based in the village of Avize in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, France. Founded by Jacques Selosse in 1959, the winery is now under the skillful direction of his son, Anselme Selosse, who took over in 1980. The house has garnered a cult following and is celebrated for its distinctive, terroir-driven approach to Champagne production.

The vineyard holdings are relatively small, with around 7.5 hectares (approximately 18.5 acres) spread across several Grand Cru villages, including Avize, Cramant, Oger, Ay, and Ambonnay. Despite its modest size, the winery's commitment to quality and expression of terroir places it among the pantheon of great Champagne producers.

Anselme Selosse's philosophy is one of minimal intervention and meticulous care for the vines. He was an early adopter of biodynamic principles in Champagne and focuses on nurturing the soil and preserving biodiversity. His methods include avoiding chemical herbicides and pesticides, relying instead on organic compounds and natural remedies. The vineyards are plowed by horse, and the grapes are harvested by hand at their optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality of fruit.

Jacques Selosse Champagnes are characterized by their vinification processes. Unlike many Champagne houses that strive for consistency across vintages, Selosse embraces the variability of each year and allows it to express itself in the wines. The wines undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and Anselme favors extended lees aging and oak barrel fermentation to develop complexity and depth. This results in a signature richness and intensity of flavor that distinguishes Selosse Champagnes from others in the region.

The winery produces several distinct cuvées, each reflecting the characteristics of their respective vineyards. The flagship wine, "Initial," is a Blanc de Blancs sourced from younger vines in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Oger, and Cramant. "Substance" is another notable cuvée, following a solera system, which adds depth and a unique oxidative style to the wine. Other special cuvées, such as "Contraste," "Version Originale," and "Millésime," showcase the variety and versatility of Selosse's winemaking.

Tastings at Jacques Selosse are an intimate and sought-after experience, with visitors often required to book well in advance. The wines are known for their profound minerality, complex aromatics, and rich palate that can range from brioche and honey to ripe orchard fruit and toasted nuts, depending on the cuvée.

Collectors and enthusiasts highly prize Jacques Selosse Champagnes for their originality, depth, and capacity to age gracefully. The house's adherence to artisanal production methods and the relentless pursuit of expressing the Champagne terroir in each bottle have earned Jacques Selosse an esteemed reputation in the world of fine wines.