France

Brothers Julien and Max Fournier took over their father's estate in 2020 after studying winemaking in Avize and working with Romaric Chavy of Meursault's Domaine Chavy-Chouet.Based in the village of Festigny, the Fourniers farm 45 plots across 15ha in the Vallée de la Marne – the heartland of Pinot Meunier. With its amphitheatre shape and dense forests, locals compare this unique hillside terroir to Corton, Burgundy's hallowed Grand Cru.With an organic, parcellaire approach, along with careful use of oak (sourced from Romaric Chavy and Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey) for vinification and élevage, the brothers are producing full-bodied, gastronomic grower Champagnes that offer exquisite balance. Fournier 'Réserve' is aged for 48 months and combines powerful berry flavours with a lifted floral character – a result of 40% reserve wines in the blend.The rosé balances a serious savoury dimension with bright summer fruit and piercing acidity. Aged for 72 months on its lees, Fournier's richest wine – 'Spéciale' – shows complex fruit and a tingling acid spine.

Thierry Fournier

Wines

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