Presentation
Based in Sillery one of the few Grand Cru villages in Champagne Champagne François Secondé is a family-run estate that continues a longstanding tradition of excellence. Specializing in Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape of the Montagne de Reims, the domaine crafts elegant and powerful cuvées that showcase this prestigious terroir. The vineyards are cultivated with a sustainable philosophy, emphasizing soil care and optimal grape maturity. Manual harvesting ensures that only the finest clusters are selected, preserving the purity of the fruit. In the cellar, vinification is carried out in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrancy, while extended lees aging brings aromatic complexity and refined texture. The resulting wines exhibit ripe red fruit aromas, delicate spice, and a long, mineral-driven finish a true expression of Sillery’s noble character.
Location
This still white wine from Coteaux Champenois is a rare cuvée crafted by François Secondé, a renowned grower based in Sillery, one of Champagne's few Grand Cru villages located in the Montagne de Reims. Unlike the sparkling wines typical of the region, this wine showcases the purity and character of Chardonnay in its still form.
Terroir
The vines grow on the chalky slopes of Sillery, benefiting from ideal sun exposure and deep chalk subsoils. This geological profile lends the wine sharp minerality, vibrant tension, and remarkable ageing potential.
In the vineyard
The Chardonnay vines for this cuvée are farmed with sustainable, low-impact practices. Soils are mechanically plowed without herbicides, and natural grass cover supports microbial life and biodiversity. Vineyard management is manual and adapted to each season, with great attention to pruning, canopy work, and ripening stages. Chemical inputs are minimal and only applied when necessary. This thoughtful viticulture ensures healthy, balanced grapes—key to crafting a precise and expressive still white wine true to its terroir.
Harvest
Harvest is done entirely by hand, with careful selection of bunches in the vineyard. The Chardonnay is picked at optimal maturity to balance natural acidity with aromatic ripeness. Grapes are harvested into small crates to avoid crushing, then gently pressed to extract clear, pure juice. Only the finest first-press juice is selected for this cuvée. This precision at harvest is essential to capture the finesse of Sillery in a still wine, highlighting its mineral clarity and aromatic brightness without bubbles.
Winemaking
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to maintain aromatic purity and freshness. Malolactic fermentation is generally allowed to bring roundness and balance. Depending on the vintage, a small proportion may be aged in oak barrels to add complexity and texture without overpowering the freshness of the wine.
Ageing
The wine is aged on fine lees for several months, with occasional bâtonnage (lees stirring) to enhance texture and aromatic complexity. It is bottled as a still wine (non-sparkling), following gentle clarification and minimal intervention.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Specifications
Serving
Serving Temperature: 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F)
Glassware: White wine glass, ideally Burgundy-style
Decanting: Can be gently decanted when young to unlock its full aromatic profile
Ageing potential
3 to 5 years
Tasting
Appearance: Pale yellow with golden highlights, clear and bright
Nose: Elegant and expressive, revealing notes of white flowers, lemon zest, green apple, and a subtle chalky undertone
Palate: Tense and linear, with crisp acidity, chalky minerality, and a long, saline finish. A precise and well-balanced expression of Chardonnay from Grand Cru terroir.
Food pairings
This still white Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood (oysters, scallops, prawns), grilled or lightly sauced white fish (sea bass, turbot), aged cheeses like Comté or Beaufort, and creamy poultry dishes. It also complements delicate vegetarian plates made with root vegetables or mushrooms.
