Champagne Robert Barbichon

History After the phylloxera crisis and enduring two wars, the Barbichon and Prélat families rebuilt their respective vineyards in the communes of Gyé sur Seine and Celles sur Ource.

Later, the meeting of Robert Barbichon and Maryvonne Prélat gave rise to Champagne Barbichon and three children, two of whom, Thomas and Maxime, now represent the fourth generation of winemakers to cultivate the vines. Vineyard Overview: Geology: Clay-limestone soils (marls with Exogyre fossils). Period: Upper Jurassic, Middle to Upper Kimmeridgian (approx. 145 million years ago). The oldest terrains from the Mesozoic era found in the Aube department belong to the Upper Jurassic and form the Côte des Bar. Following the retreat of the sea, and when rivers, established on the limestone plateaus, reached a band of softer clay soils, they eroded deeply, creating the current landscape of plateaus separated by deep valleys whose slopes are now occupied by the vineyards. Climate: The Champagne terroir is distinguished from others by its dual oceanic and continental influence; this is the so-called "Northern" climate. This region is characterized by hot summers and harsh winters. This dual influence guarantees regular (oceanic climate) and moderate (continental climate) rainfall. Annual rainfall in Champagne is approximately 680 mm (between 900 and 1000 mm in 2013). The average annual temperature is 11° Celsius. Our vineyard is located primarily in two communes, Gyé-sur-Seine and Celles-sur-Ource. We cultivate 9.3 hectares divided into 18 parcels, 70% of which face south (47% SE + 23% SW) and 30% north (18% NW + 12% N). The average vine age is approximately 38 years. The grape varieties planted are predominantly Pinot Noir (75%), but also include white varieties such as Chardonnay (11%) and Pinot Blanc (5%), and finally, the third Champagne grape variety, Pinot Meunier (9%). Biodynamics: Since 2010, our estate has been certified organic and also biodynamic since the 2012 harvest. This method consists of revitalizing soil life by eliminating synthetic chemicals and using biodynamic preparations. Tilling the soil and adding local compost made from cow and horse manure, hemp dust, and basalt helps maintain this balance.