Étienne Calsac

When Étienne Calsac took over his grandparents' vineyards around Avize in 2006, he made changes immediately. The grapes his grandparents used to sell off, he wanted to use for his own terroir champagne. From now on, cover crop was encouraged in the vineyards, and pesticides were out. 

Each parcel is vinified separately, and only part of the wine is barrel aged. Étienne started a reserve perpetuelle- or solerasystem, blending older and younger vintages. This reserve wine is used to add depth to the non vintage l'Echappée Belle.

In Côte de Sézanne, further south, Étienne planted grape varieties not often seen in Champagne, like pinot blanc, arbane and petit meslier. 

Étienne Calsac likes to experiment with his champagnes, which are produced in low quantities.