Exploring the Côte des Bar at Champagne Chassenay d’Arce
Maison de Vignerons Highlights Southern Champagne Growers
Far south of the famous Houses in Reims and Èpernay, the Côte des Bar vineyards are situated among small villages of the Champagne region. Historically, growers here sold their grapes to the major houses in the north. Growers may not have enough acreage to make and bottle their own Champagne. Driving through the region, the rural grapegrowing side of Champagne is evident. In 1956, 5 families of growers banded together to make and bottle their own Champagne, Chassenay d’Arce. Their slogan: “Maison de Vignerons” accurately describes their ethic, remaining true to their grower roots. Today, they number 130 families working together to produce Champagne. In total, they farm 315 hectares; you can do the math to see that many families manage relatively small plots, too small to make their own Champagne. By banding together, they can collectively pool their resources to produce an exceptional product.
Disclosure: I visited Champagne Chassenay d’Arce as part of a media tour. My local travel expenses were covered. No other compensation was involved, all opinions expressed are mine.
(click on any photo for a full size slide show)
Growing Grapes in the Côte des Bar
The Côte des Bar is much closer to the Bourgogne region of Chablis than to the northern reaches of Champagne near Reims. The soil is also very similar to Chablis in that it is a Kimmeridgean mix of limestone clayey-marl. Interestingly, the Côte des Bar mix of grapes is quite different from Chablis: 90% Pinot Noir, 7% Chardonnay, 2% Meunier, and 1% Pinot Blanc. Like all of Champagne and Bourgogne, the continental climate means that it can rain any time of the year. 2024 was a very challenging year with cool temperatures and constant bouts of rain. Fungal diseases were common, affecting yields. Luckily, the grapes that survived to harvest were of very good quality.
Champagne Chassenay d’Arce Collectively Commits to High Quality
From the beginning, the cooperative was committed to the highest quality standards. With the help of a wine advisor, all members have been working to improve their environmental practices, reducing chemical inputs and working for a more sustainable approach. Anyone who has worked with a diverse group understands how challenging it can be to achieve commitment from everyone, but Chassenay d’Arce growers have succeeded. They were the first house to earn the Sustainable Winegrowing label of Vignerons Engagés in 2021. 51% of the vineyards are Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certified, 41% achieved Viticulture Durable en Champagne, and 7 hectares are certified organic. Their commitment to quality extends into the winery. By pooling resources, they have invested in modern facilities, equipment and professional expertise to ensure the grapes make the journey to Champagne in the most careful way possible.
Tasting Through the Range and Wine Tourism
Tasting through the range of Champagnes gives a good sense of the Chassenay d’Arce style. With winemaking in stainless steel, the wines have great freshness and mouthwatering acidity. Even their basic cuvées spend 3 years on the lees, so the freshness comes that distinctive brioche aroma. Vintage Champagnes spend even longer on the lees, and the Confidences range also spend some time in barrel before lees aging. Sustainable vineyard work, careful winemaking and long lees aging; you might be surprised at how affordable the wines are. The Champagnes range from €26 to €67 per bottle!
If you are planning a trip to Champagne, definitely budget some time to visit the Côte des Bar; it’s a refreshing counterpoint to the glamour of Reims and Épernay. Chassenay d’Arce offers a variety of experiences for visitors. Our group was treated to a tasting and lunch, and a similar experience is available to tourists! You can book your experience here. If you can’t visit, keep an eye out for Chassenay d’Arce Champagne in your local shop!
