News
“She is rapidly gaining a cult following both in France and abroad for her highly individual, biodynamically-grown champagnes” - Peter Liem
History
Françoise Bedel is one of the most emblematic figures of the Champagne biodynamic movement. A pioneer, we may well say that she is the Lalou Bize Leroy of Champagne. In the 1990’s she started wondering how to give more sense and spirit to her work, she met several biodynamic winegrowers who introduced her to their alternative way of thinking, she soon adopted more organically and sustainable practices such as eliminating all chemical pesticid...
Vineyards
Crouttes-sur-Marne in the far west of the vallée de la Marne is far from being a famous region for Champagne but Francoise has made the most of the terroir and she gives to Pinot Meunier a unique taste. The vineyards are composed of 79% of Pinot Meunier, 14% of Chardonnay and the rest being Pinot Noir.
Winemaking
She is relying on traditional and manual methods only, from pressing of the grapes to remuage.
Vinification takes place either in barrel or in enameled steel tanks, the wines are also strongly influenced by their long lees ageing: even the non-Vintage entry level Cuvée Origin’elle is aged for six years (very few producers would dare immobilize their wines that long for financial reasons) therefore all of her wines have a markedly leesy char...