Winegrower Champagne
In the village Les Riceys in the Aube region, Christian Jojot is, since 12 years, the chairman of the third oldest champagne cooperative, of which his great-grand-father Marie Jojot was one of the 15 founders. Although the wine growers could not make a living only on their vineyards at that period and combined other activities like agriculture and farming, some ninety years later, the cooperative is at its peak, producing three AOCs: Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and the famous Rosé des Riceys.
Route du Champagne In 1922, fifteen wine growers cling to their vines that have been manhandled many times by climatic and historical events. Stroken down by phylloxera in 1895 then left aside during the major economic crisis after World War One, these vines have yet been rescued by fifteen hard-core landowners. Their common will to keep their plot of vines and make them flourish led to the creation of the Riceys cooperative. Firstly qualified as a third-rate champagne, it obtains its AOC in 1927. In the 30’s, thousands of bottles are produced. Thirty years later it is such a success that the wine growers buy lands again and get down to replantation. In 1967, a communal wine-press has been erected on the actual site, announcing the creation of the brand in the 70’s: Marquis de Pomereuil.
Les Fondateurs de la cave coopérative
dans les années 20 Photo de 1923,
M. Jojot 4e en partant de la gauche 
Today, the cooperative comprises a thermo-regulated stainless steel vat of 7,000 hectolitres, a battery of special maceration vats for the coloured wines, four quality wine-presses of a capacity of 36 tonnes, 90 hectares of vineyards spread over seven villages. And yet the Marquis de Pomereuil founders' spirit still drifts over the village Les Ricceys and its wines. A soul that instils into the descendants the will to always produce a wine of the highest quality, as perpetual as timeless…
A tribute vintage to the founders
Created in 1996, this cuvée, as a tribute to the ancestral know-how, has been awarded many gold medals and has become the flagship of the brand. The nose reminds of undergrowth, autumn scents with hints of stone fruits like white peaches. The palate keeps a lot of freshness with aromas of dried fruits like almonds, dates or raisins. It offers a sensation of an intense and accomplished champagne.
Coloured wines and the Rosé des Riceys
The development of coloured wines followed the modern impulse given by the new generation of administrators in 2003. The vineyards anchored on hills with a very sunny exposure favour the pure tradition of rosé wines. Moreover the Riceys rosé wine is only elaborated during sunny years. Its colour can be more or less sustained depending on the vintage, only the tasting upholds the appellation. The legend says that it was the Sun King's favourite wine…
The influence of Burgundy is noticeable in the architecture of Les Riceys as in its cellars. An influence that also reflects on its wines. Champagne and Burgundy contended for the region since the Middle Ages. Les Riceys, village of great character, is very prized by tourists who combine pleasure of the eyes and pleasure of the papillae. Composed of three market towns - Ricey-Bas, Ricey-Haute-Rive and Ricey-Haut - the village hosts three classified Renaissance style churches formerly bound to three different bishoprics of the Champagne region and Burgundy. Two castles, six chapels, seven wash houses and an impressive covered market, not to mention the numerous wine grower houses – smart, discreet, all made of white stone, the most ancient ones dating from the Renaissance period - are waiting for the champagne lovers between two tastings.
90 years of passion
A new 100% Pinot Noir cuvée is maturing for the celebration of the ninetieth anniversary of the cooperative that will be well-celebrated in 2012. This 100% Riceys vintage is a tribute to the Riceys terroir. It has been elaborated from grapes selected on the oldest vines to collect the best aromas. Currently ageing in bottles, this champagne will be disgorged in early 2012. This new Marquis de Pomereuil Cuvée will always be a vintage champagne.
The great celebration is already in preparation and will attract tourists, local amateurs and professionals. All will not only taste the champagne but also discover or rediscover the architectural and vinicultural heritage of the village of Les Riceys.
Hélène Dabjat
Champagne
Marquis de Pomereuil
Route du Gyé - 10340 Les Riceys Tél. :
+33 (0)3 25 29 32 24 Fax : +33 (0)3 25 38 59 86
marquis.de.pomereuil@hexanet.fr
