The History of the Françoise Bedel Estate
A Pioneering Journey in Biodynamics
The EstateFrançoise BedelThe estate was founded by Fernand and Marie-Louise Bedel, before their daughter, Françoise Bedel, took over part of the business in 1979. Passionate about nature and determined to respect the environment, Françoise quickly steered the estate towards more sustainable farming practices. In 1998, she made the bold decision to convert the entire vineyard to biodynamic farming. This choice stemmed from a search for meaning and a desire to bequeath to her children and future generations a healthy land, in perfect harmony with the natural elements.
His son, Vincent Bedel, joined the family business in the 2000s and now actively contributes to the management of the estate. Together, they uphold the values of respect for nature, preservation of ecosystems, and harmony with the terroir. Thanks to their unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture, they have won the hearts of organic champagne enthusiasts worldwide. Under their guidance, the estate has forged a solid reputation, particularly for the purity and intensity of its cuvées, whose renown continues to grow.
Today, the EstateFrançoise BedelIt remains a family business where every member of the team participates in the winemaking process, from vine to bottle. This expertise, passed down from generation to generation, combined with a passion for the land and a deep respect for nature, makes itFrançoise Bedelan iconic name in biodynamic champagne.
A Vineyard Respectful of Nature
A Vibrant and Natural Terroir
The vineyardFrançoise BedelThe estate spans approximately 9 hectares, spread across several communes on both sides of the Marne River, including Crouttes-sur-Marne, Nanteuil-sur-Marne, and Charly-sur-Marne. The vineyards benefit from ideal sun exposure, conducive to the slow and even ripening of the grapes. The Marne Valley is renowned for its rich and varied soils, composed primarily of clay and limestone, creating a unique and complex terroir. This distinctive terroir imparts an elegant structure, a beautiful minerality, and great aromatic depth to the wines.
The domainFrançoise BedelThe estate pays particular attention to vine cultivation, adopting a biodynamic approach since the 1990s. This means that the farming practices respect the natural cycles of the earth and the stars, thus promoting soil vitality and plant health. No synthetic chemicals are used, and preparations made from plants, cow manure, or silica are applied to strengthen the vines' natural defenses. This approach results in healthy, concentrated, and exceptionally pure grapes.
The dominant grape variety is Pinot Meunier, which accounts for 79% of the plantings, followed by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This diversity allows the estate to produce champagnes with varied profiles, where each grape variety contributes its own distinctive character. Pinot Meunier gives Bedel champagnes a fruity and generous structure, while Chardonnay brings finesse and elegance. Each plot of the vineyard is carefully cultivated to maximize the expression of the terroir, and the harvest is carried out by hand to guarantee rigorous selection of the grape bunches.
Winemaking at François Bedel's
A return to the roots
Winemaking at the DomaineFrançoise BedelChampagne production is a meticulous process that blends tradition and modernity. Pressing, a key step in the making of champagnes, is carried out entirely on the estate using a pneumatic press. This type of pressing allows for a gentle and gradual extraction of the juice, thus preserving the grapes' potential for longevity. The grape varieties are pressed separately, as are the individual plots, in order to respect the unique character of each terroir.
The first fermentation is carried out using natural yeasts present in the grapes, carefully selected byFrançoise BedelThis method allows the unique aromas of each plot to be revealed. Part of the wine is then aged in oak barrels to bring richness and aromatic complexity, while another part rests in enamelled tanks to preserve the purity of the terroir.
Blending the wines is a meticulous process. Like a composer choosing their notes,Françoise BedelThe estate combines wines from different terroirs to create unique champagnes, characterized by a subtle aromatic harmony. Carefully preserved reserve wines also enrich the blends, ensuring continuity in the estate's style while reflecting the particularities of each vintage.
ChampagnesFrançoise BedelThese wines are distinguished by their exceptional finesse and aromatic complexity. The cuvées express fruity, floral, and mineral notes, with a beautiful length on the palate. Thanks to extended aging on the lees, each wine develops rich and profound aromas, offering enthusiasts an unforgettable tasting experience.
Buy aChampagne Françoise BedelIt is about offering yourself a sensory journey to the heart of biodynamic Champagne, where each bottle reflects a true philosophy of life, making Champagne the authentic expression of the Earth.
