Vilmart & Cie
A family business for five generations, Vilmart is driven by unique intuition, a taste for precision and a certain form of freedom.
In 1890, Désiré Vilmart founded the house in the heart of the village of Rilly-la-Montagne, at the foot of the Montagne de Reims. He was succeeded by his son Charles, then his grandson Renan. They were both instrumental in furthering the house’s growth. Independence and boldness were already characteristic of the house’s outlook.
During the Second World War, Renan witnessed the destruction of the estate. With courage and determination, he applied himself to reconstructing buildings and facilities over cellars that had been spared; Vilmart still occupies these premises, which have been developed and added to by each successive generation.
The 11 exclusively Premier Cru hectares of the Vilmart vineyard are located in the Rilly-la-Montagne terroir. The proximity of the plots and unity of place, a particular feature in Champagne, allows the vines to be tended with particular care. The Vilmart vineyard is also notable for its mix of varietals: a majority of Chardonnay (60%), with the remaining 40% planted to Pinot Noir.
This proportion is highly unusual for the region, essentially planted to Pinot Noir and Meunier. The estate’s vines are on average 35 years old. Grapes from the oldest vines, which are 60 years old, are reserved for crafting Coeur de Cuvée and Blanc de Blancs champagnes.
Vilmart & Cie Cuvee Rubis
The colour of this wine is salmon pink. It is animated by a persistent effervescence that gives birth to a cord with fine and delicate bubbles.
This wine develops aromas of intense red fruits, including wild strawberries, wild raspberries, cherries and gooseberries. After a few minutes of aeration, a light floral fragrance awakens our senses with notes of linden and lilac.
On the palate, the attack of red fruits is predominant and supported by the freshness of pink grapefruit. Delicate flavours of melon and vine peach enliven our taste buds during the tasting. The whole makes us discover a wine of great freshness, ample and very balanced.
Blending is composed of 90% Pinot Noir (including 15% red wine) and 10% Chardonnay classified Premier Cru and from vines in Rilly-la-Montagne. Ageing 10 months in large oak casks. No malolactic fermentation. Dosage 9g/L.
Food Pairing: Black pepper, Brie, Chili, Duck, Fish, Parmesan, Seafood, Shellfish, Summer Fruits, Vanilla, White meat
Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier
The pale lemon shade with golden and green highlights is shimmering and luminous. This wine develops a fine, elegant and long-tasting mousse.
On the first nose, the wine reveals white flower aromas (honeysuckle, lilac), citrus notes as well as fresh butter and cream. After airing, as it is getting warmer, this Champagne exhales another spectrum of aromas. The wine reveals spicy notes of ginger and lemongrass, which were unsuspected until then. The beautiful quality of the acidity (present throughout the tasting) is especially remarkable. The frank vinosity of the wine (roundness and alcohol) gives an impression of strength and freshness. The wine appears big yet tight. These various sensations produce a pure, creamy and silky textured wine.
The finish is clean, slightly minerality and long. The last aroma is grapefruit. The impression will be remembered as a harmonious, healthy, and vibrant wine.
Blending is composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir classified Premier Cru and from vines in Rilly-la-Montagne. Ageing 10 months in large oak casks. No malolactic fermentation. Doasge 8g/L.
"A blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay, this has a complex and sophisticated nose that delivers peach fruits and citrus, plus some bolder yellow plum fruits too. The palate is assertive, energetic and concentrated with peach and nectarine flavors met with lemony acidity. Long, really powerful Champagne here. Drink now or age on cork for three or more years." - 93 points, James Suckling
Vilmart & Cie Grande Reserve
The blond colour with pale golden highlights announces a wine mostly composed of Pinot Noir and reflects perfect maturity. The effervescence is long-lasting, giving birth to a persistent and delicate mousse with fine bubbles. The first impression on the nose is marked by great intensity. She is opening on biscuit, mature wheat, pear, and cherry flavour. After a few seconds, the nose became wider. The iris, oak, celery, white pepper, and fine mineral aromas bring depth and complexity to the wine. With air, melted butter and toast notes appear, reflecting a harmonious evolution of the wine.
There is a fine balance between the primary aromas (fruits), secondary (biscuit, bread, butter) and tertiary (minerals and spices).
Blending is composed of 70 % Pinot Noir and 30 % Chardonnay classified Premier Cru and from vines in Rilly-la-Montagne. Ageing 10 months in large oak casks. No malolactic fermentation. Dosage 9g/L.
"A blend of pinot noir (70%) and chardonnay (30%), this has a profound sense of harmony on both the nose and palate. Aromas of grilled nuts, pepper and lightly spiced wild raspberry fruits are pristine, leading to a palate that has beautifully supple, fleshy texture. The acidity is assertive, not harsh; the depth, balance and concentration is really something. Drink now whilst fresh or up to three years." - 92 points, James Suckling
Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvee 2016
Pale gold in colour, highlighted with flecks of silver, followed by fine and elegant bubbles, creating a delicate cord.
On the nose, the primary aromas are floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom, associated with the freshness of apple, peach wine, pear and nectarines. On the secondary aromas, there is greater complexity and richness with toasted almonds, butter biscuits expressing the maturation of this wine.
Once on your palate, it is characterized by a greater complexity. interwined acacia honey aromas with apricot jam, candied mango and hazelnut. The finish expresses a great minerality with a remarkable length.
Wine and food pairing
Crayfish and porcini mushrooms, scallop tartare or a “foie gras” pan-fried will bring depth and a beautiful aromatic evolution.
Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d’Or 2019
Its deep gold colour is defined by a fine and magnificent effervescence. These pearls create a white cordon on the surface.
The powerful bouquet reveals aromas of coco powder and exotic wood. Shortly after, this cuvée reveals all of its character with vine peaches, pear, rhubarb and frangipane.
A remarkable attack with the right balance of freshness and richness. A touch of acidity is enhancing notes of butter and dried fruit. The aromatic persistence is underlined by a tangy finish.
Wine and food pairing
Too complex food pairing should be avoided to keep the wine balance. It texture and mature aromatic profile, will lead the wine to seek products preferably like caviar or with dishes with firm texture (lobster, white meats) and reduced sauces.
Vilmart & Cie Emotion 2014
The Complexity of a Vintage Champagne Rosé
- Blending composed of 60 % Pinot Noir (“Rosé de Saignée”) and 40 % Chardonnay classified Premier Cru and from vines of sixty years old age
- Manual harvest 2014
- Aging process: ten months in oak barrels of 228 litres
- Sixty months on lies in the cellars after bottling
- No malolactic fermentation
- Dosage: 8 g/l
Vilmart & Cie Blanc de Blanc 2011
The straw-yellow colour with pale green highlights is fed by a very delicate effervescence announcing breadth and finesse.
On the nose, a harmonious bouquet of citrus fruits animates our senses with in particular, lemon, lime and grapefruit. In aromatic support, subtle vanilla notes and roasted hazelnuts bring structure and consistency to the wine. On the palate, our taste buds discover dried fruits always highlighted by vanilla and hazelnut. After a few moments, apricot, ripe pear and honeysuckle flavours complete this wine of great complexity. A delicate and silky texture on the mouth reflects the personality of this chiseled wine.
This vintage made from sixty years old vines on a chalk floor, brings us a very developed mineral side. Blending composed of 100% Chardonnay classified Premier Cru and from vines of sixty years old age in Rilly-la-Montagne (Les Blanches Voies parcel). Ageing 10 months in oak barrels. 84 months on lies in the cellars after bottling. No malolactic fermentation. Dosage 4g/L. Limited quantity per vintage.
Quantity limited to 2 900 bottles numbered
This champagne can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as an accompaniment on a Saint-Jacques dish, sweetbreads or seafood such as oysters or caviar.
Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvee 2014
On the eye, straw-yellow colour is accompanied with a fine persistent mousse. On the nose, it has subtle notes of flowers and fresh fruits which subtle lemon flavours. On the palate, it has aromas of butter, “crème brûlée” and spices blossom and awaken taste buds. It is a gourmand and generous wine with an exceptional freshness.
80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
A perfect pairing for crayfish and porcini mushrooms, scallop tartare or a “foie gras” pan-fried will bring depth and a beautiful aromatic evolution.
Vilmart & Cie Emotion 2015
The color of this wine is orange pink. The calm and regular effervescence gives birth to a sustained and delicate cord whose bubble is very fine.
On the nose, this wine is powerful, fruity, developing aromas of strawberry, raspberry, sour cherry and floral notes of peony with a vanilla finish. This bouquet of fruit is supported by slight notes of almond, cinnamon, honey and wood. Length, complexity and balance define a mouth in harmony with the nose.
We note a beautiful purity, an excellent finesse on the palate with a creamy texture that allows us to discover an elegant wine with and beautiful vinosity. In the mouth, very refreshing, reminiscent of pomelos on the finish.
Wine and food pairing
This cuvee is appreciated with refined dishes, such as salmon in strawberry foil or fried langoustines. It can also be served with a fillet of red mullet, or even a rib of lamb marinated with vegetables. Finally, for sushi lovers, this champagne is the perfect match.
Vilmart & Cie Blanc de Blanc 2012
A Sensual Minerality
- Blending composed of 100% Chardonnay classified Premier Cru and from vines of sixty years old age (Les Blanches Voies parcel)
- Manual harvest 2012,
- Aging process: ten months in oak barrels of 228 l
- Eighty-four months on lies in the cellars after bottling
- No malolactic fermentation
- Dosage: 4 g/l
- Quantity limited to 2 900 bottles numbered