Coteaux Champenois Rouge
Écueil Rouge "Les Hautes Vignes" 2019

The Coteaux Champenois Rouge Écueil “Les Hautes Vignes” by Bertrand-Delespierre is conceived as a parcel-specific expression of the quieter, more identity-driven side of the Montagne de Reims, where Pinot Noir is interpreted outside the traditional sparkling wine framework. The Les Hautes Vignes parcel, located in the Premier Cru village of Écueil, is distinguished by clay-limestone soils and a favourable exposure that allows for full yet measured ripening. Within this context, the Delespierre family approaches Coteaux Champenois as a tool for territorial transparency, focusing on agricultural precision, respect for the vineyard, and fidelity to the character of the site.

This 2019 vintage is made exclusively from Pinot Noir sourced from vines planted in the mid-1980s. Vinification follows an artisan, low-intervention approach, with fermentation and ageing in 600-litre wooden barrels for approximately two years, a choice that discreetly supports the wine’s evolution without overshadowing varietal identity. Bottled in August 2022, the production amounts to just 767 bottles, with no fining or filtration, preserving textural integrity and expressive depth, in line with a rigorous vision of still wine from Champagne.

In tasting, “Les Hautes Vignes” 2019 reveals a clear, site-driven profile, marked by fresh red fruit aromas, subtle spicy nuances and earthy undertones. On the palate, the tannic framework is fine and well-integrated, supported by natural freshness that extends the wine’s progression. The structure is balanced, the persistence measured yet continuous, with a dry, precise finish that delivers an authentic expression of Écueil Pinot Noir in its Coteaux Champenois Rouge form.