(October 21st, 2024 – Champagne, France) – The Mandois Champagne House has been continuously building its winegrowing identity since its foundation in 1735. Now, it is unveiling its new winery, a testament to its dedication to excellence and deep understanding of its terroirs. A fusion of innovation and respect for tradition, this new wine production and visitor facility embodies the very essence of Claude Mandois’ vision: to honor the unique character of each vineyard plot while reflecting Mandois’ status as the owner of one of the largest certified organic vineyards in the Champagne region
A WINEGROWING ETHOS EMBODIED BY THE “GALERIE PARCELLAIRE”
Guided by a deep understanding of his terroirs, Claude Mandois closely monitors every vineyard plot. Each step of production, from vine to winery, is executed with meticulous precision and boundless passion. Believing that the true art of winemaking goes beyond simply harvesting exceptional quality grapes, Claude is dedicated to preserving their unique character throughout the entire process.
“My thinking started with a simple question: how can I create the best possible wines from the vineyard plots that I’m going to carefully work using organic methods? Like in haute couture, where every piece is unique, I decided to approach each plot individually, providing each one with a vat tailored to the specific needs of the grapes it produces,” says Claude.
Conceived and designed by Epernay-based architect Vincent Fierfort, the new 170m² winery receives and vinifies grapes from 12 of the finest vineyard plots in the Champagne House’s 17 Crus and serves as a showcase for this unique approach. It allows Claude Mandois to fully leverage his expertise and deep understanding of the terroirs. The creation of the “Galerie Parcellaire” (parcellation vat room) embodies this philosophy, in which each plot from the Champagne House’s certified organic vineyards—one of the largest in the Champagne region—is brought to its fullest expression.
A WINERY ON A PAR WITH THE QUALITY OF THE WINES
The meticulous care and attention dedicated to the crafting of our wines are mirrored in the architecture and materials of our new production facility. Its imposing, minimalist design reflects our relentless pursuit of perfection. The space is designed to be functional, providing an efficient tool to optimize the winemaking process while elevating the quality of the wine.
“Every aspect of the winemaking process has been carefully considered to ensure the crafting of the finest possible wines—from the concrete vats that amplify the minerality of the terroirs to the wooden barrels that encourage micro-oxygenation,” explains Claude. The natural materials, elegant shapes, and the incorporation of ventilation and temperature control systems, all mindful of the harmony between the container and its contents, ensure an optimal preservation of the wines. The choice of insulation, including green (vegetated) walls, strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and technical performance.
AN IMMERSIVE RECEPTION FACILITY
After three years of construction, the opening of this new winery marks a significant milestone for the Mandois Champagne House. More than just a place in which to design and craft our wines, it is a meeting point where the beauty of the terroirs, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the art of wine tasting converge.
This winery symbolizes both respect for tradition and a vision for the future, with every stage of the winemaking process seamlessly integrated into a space designed to celebrate the very essence of champagne. Believing there is no better place to taste a wine than where it is made, Claude Mandois has created a tasting room perched above the vat room, offering an immersive experience in which the champagnes can be tasted in their place of creation. This unique proximity allows Mandois’ customers to truly connect with the wines, surrounded by an architecture designed to elevate the experience.
The materials used in the winery’s construction—wood, glass, and minerals—echo the raw natural beauty of the terroirs. At the heart of the space is the glass tasting table, a striking centerpiece designed by artist Matthieu Gicquel. Cast in a calcareous mold, the table evokes the chalk bedrock typical of the Champagne terroirs. The facade blocks and tabletops symbolize the variations and diversity of the vineyard plots, serving as a reminder of the parcellation approach integral to the Mandois philosophy.
ABOUT THE MANDOIS CHAMPAGNE HOUSE
Mandois is a family-owned Champagne House, renowned for its craftsmanship and the exceptional quality of its champagnes. Situated at the crossroads of the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs, Mandois upholds the time-honored traditions of the Champagne region while constantly innovating to create finely crafted champagnes. Headed by Claude Mandois and driven by generations of family passion, the Champagne House exemplifies excellence and refinement in every one of its bottles, adding cachet to each drinking experience. Mandois also owns one of the largest organically certified vineyards in the Champagne region.
