Domaine André Robert
Mesnil-sur-Oger | ChampagneThe story of André Robert Champagne goes back five generations, rooted in the chalk-rich, grand cru soils of Le Mesnil sur Oger.
Henri Robert was a pioneer in the village, organizing its first growers’ association. His son, the eponymous André, purchased the estate house under which a hand-carved, 19th-century cellar now ages the family’s long-lived, complex and energetic wines.
Bertrand Robert and his wife Colette brought the estate into the modern age; yet it is their daughter, Claire Robert and her husband, Jean-Baptiste Denizart, who have taken quality here in Mesnil to a whole new level.
The traditional vivacity and intensity of grand cru Mesnil Chardonnay remains center stage; yet Clare’s vision of crafting wines with even more depth and texture — with barrel fermentation for young wines and slow maturation in the family’s chalk cellars — has been more than realized with the family’s recent releases.
FARMING & WINEMAKING
Domaine André Robert crafts “grower” Champagne, a récoltant-manipulant house that grows its own grapes and makes its own wine all on site. This qualitative difference is crucial for those seeking the ultimate in Champagne flavor and character.
The family owns and tends 65 individual parcels in the villages of Le Mesnil sur Oger, Oger, Vertus, Cuis and Etrechy, with some 85% of land classified either grand cru or premier cru. All wines are made from estate-owned grapes, raised by the family and cared for sustainably, according to organic principles.
Grapes are harvested by hand, and carefully sorted at the cellar. A gentle press is used, and sulfur additions are very modest. Most wines are fermented in either French oak barrique, demi-muid or cask, with an average age of 12 years (older oak allows oxygen transfer without overt flavoring). Young wines remain in barrel for ten to eleven months, generally with no lees stirring; malolactic conversion is usually blocked, to preserve the wines’ natural acidity and freshness.
All wines undergo secondary fermentation in bottle in the family’s ancient chalk cellars, located underneath the family home in Mesnil.
Extra Brut 'Les Vignes de Montigny'
A heady, juicy and vibrant blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir from the clay-rich soils of the Marne Valley, near the village of Montigny. What tension, what energy! Red berry notes with lots of apple freshness, light brioche and very long. A refined Champagne that should be enjoyed throughout a grand meal.
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Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Les Horizons'
An endlessly expressive and vibrantly dry blanc de blancs wine, sourced 80% from grand and premier cru Champagne terroir — an outperforming Champagne that screams Mesnil citrus energy and cut with every sip.
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Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Nature 'Les Jardins du Mesnil'
The “gardens” of Mesnil grow on pure chalk stone, the clean and vibrant terroir heart of the best grand cru Champagnes from Mesnil sur Oger. There is no better mirror to this historic terror than this non-dosage wine, redolent of crushed oyster shells and heady, summer-ripe citrus.
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Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Les Jardins du Mesnil'
Sourced from the same exemplary chalk-rich, grand cru vineyards but with a touch more body (and dosage, rated extra brut), this “Jardin” combines candied citrus with white flowers and a touch of creamery butter. The perfect aperitif or sushi companion.
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Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 'Terre du Mesnil'
Mesnil’s ‘soil” heart is chalk, which gives Chardonnay here its racy profile, its profound depth. A grand cru brut wine that showcases the intensity and body of the best of Mesnil. A touch of exotic fruit, a hint of nuts, a whole lot of savory pleasure.
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 'Collection d'Auteur'
The estate’s top selection, its “author’s collection” is this profoundly intense and savory Champagne, fermented in French barrique and aged for seven years in bottle. An extraordinarily vinous wine, and a peerless snapshot of the savory depth of the best of Mesnil.
- Download fact sheet (2012 vintage) (PDF)
Extra Brut 'Rose de Vignes'
Red berries and wild strawberries in the glass, aromas summer-ripe and spring-fresh. A lovely rosé Champagne that brings together Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for more depth and intensity in flavor. An ideal partner throughout a meal.
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Established: 1962
Winemaker: Claire Robert and Jean-Baptiste Denizart
Region: France • Champagne • Mesnil sur Oger
Vineyard size: 35 acres
PRACTICING SUSTAINABLE FARMING
