You may remember the story of Jacques Beaufort (Stage15), the winegrower of Ambonnay in Champagne who, seriously allergic to synthetic products decided to convert his vines to agrobiology as early
as 1971. Ostracised by the local population and in permanent cnflict with the ultra poweful Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, this pioneer never has deviated from
his course and the Champagnes millésimés de la maison André Beaufort have been since then unanimously recognized as exceptionnal wines.
Today retired after having carefully organized a complicated succession — in this family of eight children only one is not a winemaker, so not all of them could stay in
Ambonnay (Marne) or Polisy, (Aube)
Due to the prohibitive price of vines in Champagne, Quentin and Alice Beaufort decide to go into exile, but not too far from their dear Aube region. In 2007 they buy 1.5 hectare of
vines in Châtillonais, in the northern part of the department of Côte d’Or, then, in 2011 acquire 7 extra hectares in one piece. Without malicious neighbours and on an exceptional site, all
conditions are met to produce ‘tranquil’ or effervescent wines doted of personality.
Of course, cultural practices are respectful, prevention and dedication being at the heart of the ancestral commitment of the Beaufort dynasty. Vines and soils are a pleasure to the eye.
Vinifications are all natural, so claim the famous maisons selling ‘pinard’ (plonk) of Champagne… except that on the Beauforts’ land yeasts, and enzymes are unknown, as well as chaptalisation and
acidification. As the saying goes : criticism is easy, art is difficult.
The vineyard is ‘Certipaq’ certified.
The domaine also produces ‘tranquil’ wines for enlightened amateurs of ‘vins nature’, a delicate Pinot noir and a white resulting of an assemblage of Chardonnay (75%) and Pinot noir
(25%) quite astonishing. On demand.