Champagne Pierre Gerbais, a family-owned domaine in the Aube, is currently led by Aurélien Gerbais, a young yet remarkably confident and humble figure. The estate benefits from old vines, organic farming practices, and a blend of intelligence, passion, and determination that position it among the top visionary producers in the Aube. This circle of influential Champagne houses includes Aurélien’s close friend and neighbor Cédric Bouchard, as well as names like Marie Courtin, Jacques Lassaigne, Ulysse Collin, Horiot, and Vouette et Sorbée.

This year marked a significant shift for the estate, following years of careful thought and planning. The cuvées, which were previously single varietals (often blended from multiple plots), are now exclusively single-vineyard expressions, each with the vineyard’s image featured on the label.

In terms of winemaking, Gerbais now produces Champagne with no added sulfur dioxide during fermentation or aging, making only a minimal adjustment at bottling. Additionally, Aurélien established a perpetual solera system for reserve wines in 2011, with each parcel kept separately in its own tank. This method aims to ensure that each single-vineyard cuvée truly reflects its unique terroir. As a result, the Grains de Celles cuvées are now made from single vintages, while the single-vineyard cuvées are blends of multiple years, typically with a 50/50 mix of base and reserve wines.