Domaine de Bichery, situated in Neuville-sur-Seine within the Côte des Bar, showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation led by Raphaël and Hannah Piconnet. Since their first vintage in 2015, the couple has drawn upon Raphaël's deep viticultural roots and advanced training to produce exceptional, terroir-driven champagnes.
Their six parcels of organically farmed vineyards, certified in 2019, are planted with massal selections of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier. These steep slopes, initially cultivated by Raphaël's grandfather, benefit from vine bud wood from the original plantings, preserving the heritage.
In the cellar, the Piconnets adhere to minimal intervention principles. The base wines ferment and age in a mix of old oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks without filtration or fining, using minimal sulfites and no dosage to highlight the terroir's true character.
La Source, their largest production at just over 500 cases, is a 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from every plot, predominantly aged in steel. En Val du Clos, an 80/20 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend from the oldest vines on the steepest parcel, spent about 50 months on fine lees, with 2018 marking its first vintage. Les Terres Mêlées is purely Pinot Noir, with nearly half aged in oak. Les Fontaines Rosé, also all Pinot Noir, includes 15% vinified as red wine, with about a third aged in oak.
These expressive, sappy, and bright champagnes stand out as some of the most exciting new offerings. Each bottle is a testament to the Piconnets' dedication to quality and innovative practices.