Champagne Olivier Horiot
CHAMPAGNE
In the Côte des Bar (Aube), at the southern tip of Champagne on the edge of Burgundy, Les Riceys is the most important wine-growing commune in Champagne. With some 900 hectares of vines – where Pinot Noir reigns supreme (around 800 ha) – the village stands out for its 3 appellations: Champagne and, two still wines, Coteaux-Champenois as well as Rosé-des-Riceys, a unique appellation. Three appellations that are remarkably illustrated by the work of Olivier Horiot. His champagnes are authentic expressions of this incomparable terroir.
In 2004, taking over from his father – co-founder of the local wine cooperative – Olivier Horiot developed a range of cuvées from the 3 appellations of the Riceys region. The 8.5 ha of vines are made up of 75% Pinot noir, with smaller amounts of Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, Arbanne, Pinot Meunier, Petit Meslier and Pinot Gris. Working with great rigour in the vineyard and cellar alike, Horiot attaches much importance to the life of the soils and thus his vines. His primary concern is that of authenticity. All of his vintage champagnes are vinified and aged in oak barrels on fine lees. Today, these champagnes are certainly among the finest expressions of a terroir that stands out from the rest of Champagne.