Piollot, Champagne, France

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Piollot
Polisot, Cote des Bars (Aube)

  • A Single Objective: Establish a healthy and balanced system in which the vine plant and the terroir are able to fully express themselves in all their authenticity. 
  • Grape Varieties: 62% Pinot Noir, 19% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Blanc, 6% Pinot Meunier, 1% Arbanne 
  • Vineyard Size and Age: 8.5ha and Over 50% is 40+ years old 
  • Viticulture: Certified Organic (2014), Certified Biodynamic (2020) 

The Piollot family established themselves as growers in the Aube in the late 1800s. This is an area south of the epicenter of most Champagne production, closer to Chablis than Reims or Epernay. This issue of distance famously came to head in 1911 when Aube farmers were removed from the Champagne classification and promptly revolted. This issue went back and forth until finally coming to a close in 1927 when the courts ruled in favor of the Aube’s inclusion. The resistance was led in part by Roland’s great-grandfather who aided in securing their right to be called Champagne today. 

Now operated by 5th generation winegrower Roland Piollot and his wife Dominique Moreau, Champagne Piollot continues to preserve the traditions of Champagne. Their daughter Jeanne Piollot joined the domaine in 2018 and represents the 6th generation of family vignerons. 

Roland’s father Robert spent his life closely observing the vines year after year and selected only the best to use when he replanted all of their vineyards. When cuttings are taken from a number of different older vines with preferable attributes as a means to propagate new vines it is known as Selection Massale. Also, in a time when farmers were ripping out less-preferred varieties to focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Robert chose to maintain his Pinot Blanc which is greatly responsible for the unique character of their vineyard. Finally, in 1986, Roland returned home committed to producing 100% of the estate’s fruit as Champagne and began making and selling their wines under Piollot et Fils. 

To produce the purest expression of his family’s land and terroir, Roland utilizes Organic and biodynamic practices in both the vineyard and the cellar . Everything is estate-grown, hand-harvested, and natural/indigenous yeast fermented. 

They exclusively utilize natural fertilizer prepared by the estate. Roland works the soil regularly and pays careful attention to his plants so that he may help guide them. In the tradition of their village, the family creates 100% Pinot Noir rosés by employing the maceration process in vintages that meet the full potential. 

Wines Available from Piollot 

Cuvee de Reserve – Champagne Brut NV 

  • Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay 
  • Vinification: Fermentation in wood vats and barrels 
  • Aging: 48 months sur-lie, 6g/l dosage 

 

“Les Protelles” – Champagne Extra-Brut Rose NV 

  • Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir, 45-year-old vines 
  • Vinification: 3 days maceration in tank, malo allowed 
  • Aging: Base wine rests for 10 months in tank, 48 months sur-lie, 3g/l dosage 

 

“Come des Tallants” – Champagne Zero Dosage Blanc de Noir NV (arriving soon!) 

  • Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir, 40-year-old vines 
  • Vinification: tank-fermented, malo allowed 
  • Aging: Base wine rests for 10 months in tank, 48 months sur-lie, no dosage 

 

Champs Rayés NV 

  • Varieties: 100% Chardonnay 
  • Aging: barrel-aged, 6 years sur-lie, no dosage 
  • Vines: 17 years 

 

Cuvée Colas Robin NV 

  • Varieties: 100% Pinot Blanc 
  • Aging: tank & oak-aged, 5 years sur-lie, no dosage 
  • Vines: 65 years 

 

Other Wines Available from Champagne Piollot: 

Mepetit – 100% Pinot Meunier, no dosage, barrel-aged, 4 years sur-lie, vine age 45 years