Our House
Rooted in pure Champagne tradition
1. Deep Roots (1145)
The history of our walls dates back to the 12th century. Our farm buildings were built in 1145 by Cistercian monks. The barn with its majestic buttresses was an agricultural dependency of the Notre-Dame d'Igny Abbey, located ten kilometers away.
The monks used these lands to cultivate and raise their animals. Today, large stone buildings and a magnificent vaulted room remain from these ancient times, watching over the crafting of our Champagnes. It is in this place steeped in history that we perpetuate tradition.
2. The Vine Gamble (1975)
My father, Gérard Degodet (passed away in 2019), was the visionary of the family. Around 1975, he made a bold decision: to replace sheep farming with vine planting.
It was a titanic job to clear difficult hillsides at a time when the farm lived mainly on cereals, rapeseed, and beets. It was a real bet on the future! Thanks to his hard work, we now cultivate 2.5 hectares of precious vines on this exceptional terroir.
3. A New Era: Charles Degodet
I took over the family farm in 1999, at the age of 22, exactly 100 years after my great-grandfather Charles. While the farm remains a mixed agricultural operation, the vineyard has taken a central role.
2009 marks a decisive turning point: the launch of our own Champagne brand. Previously, we sold our grapes to large merchant houses. Today, we select and keep the best grapes (Heart of Cuvée) to sign our own wines.
Charles Degodet
This quest for quality has opened the doors to export. Our Champagnes are now appreciated in France, but also in Italy and as far as the prestigious Relais & Châteaux in the Seychelles.
The team grew in 2018 with the arrival of Alexandre, hired following his internship, to support us in this exciting adventure.
Modernity & Sustainable Commitment
Our House continues to evolve to combine performance and respect for the environment:
- Energy Autonomy (2013): We replaced our old shed with a modern, functional building completely covered with photovoltaic panels. We thus produce our own green energy.
- Conservation Agriculture (2020): We rethought how we work the soil. The principle? Replacing mechanical work with root work to preserve soil life.
- Biodiversity in the Vines (2022): Based on our agricultural trials, we have implemented cover crops between the vine rows.
Pick up at the property: By appointment only.
LOCATION:
In the heart of the Montagne de Reims, in the Ardre valley.
Champagne Charles Degodet - Montazin 51170 SAVIGNY SUR ARDRES - France
contact@champagne-charlesdegodet.com - Phone (French and English): +33 (0)7 56 94 10 69