May 11,2016

Champagne Barrat Masson is a small champagne house whose vineyards are located in Bethon. This is a commune in the Marne department of Champagne in northeastern France. They began as a small grower who farmed and then sold their grapes. In 2005 they decided to convert to organic farming. They have over 7 hectares of 40 year old vineyards (90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir) located in Bethon in Villenaux-la-Grande on the slopes of the Sézanne.

From these vineyards they produce three champagnes: fleur de craie (Extra brut 100% Chardonnay), Des Margannes (Brut Nature 100% Chardonnay) and Grain d’argile (Extra brut blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).

In 2010 they changed from a grower to a Champagne House with the 2011 harvest being their first harvest for their Champagne Barrat Masson. We have the husband and wife owners Loic (wine maker) and Aurélie (oenologist) to thank for these great champagnes.

Aurélie vinifies each plot separately allowing the wines to express their terroir. She uses a traditional Coquard press. For Aurélie, this produces a better quality must.

In the next post we will taste their Fleur de Craie champagne with some caviar.

Champagne Barrat-Masson Coquard Wine Press

Champagne Barrat-Masson Coquard wine press at work