Lacourte Godbillon / Champagne

Old Name, New Generation: Part Of Champagne’s Great Future

Husband and wife team Richard Désvignes and Géraldine Lacourte represent part of Champagne’s great future; not complacent on selling on the name of the region alone, this upcoming house is earning repute via a commitment to quality and eye-catching flair via contemporary and striking packaging. The duo took over from Géraldine’s father in 2006, with the family name already well established in Champagne circles.

Based in the premier cru village of Ecueil, the estate is well into the rigorous process of organic certification. Only 2% of Champagne’s vineyard is managed organically, the marginal climate rendering this a serious commitment of labour. Thankfully most of Lacourte’s 8 ha of vines are within sight of the winery, a major quality advantage given the swift response required to weather events with organic methodology. Additionally, a light tractor with tank-tracks is used to minimize soil compaction.

Yields are far lower than the regional norm, and the wines spend longer on second lees than most domaines’ wines. Raising vinous, nervy and complex wines with all stages of growing and production handled by the estate, Lacourte-Godbillon is an exciting addition for us as our first Champagne offering.