The colour is medium gold with a fine, persistent mousse. On the nose, lemon peel, grapefruit, and almond notes emerge clearly. In the mouth, it is dry and precise, with a vibrant acidity. Citrus flavours lead, followed by a touch of green apple and saline minerality. A discreet creaminess balances the racy structure. The aftertaste is long and mouth-watering.
This grower Champagne from Georges Fleury is made from a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The wine is partially vinified in used barriques and aged on the lees for approximately 26 months, contributing to its complexity and textural depth.
Founded in the village of Crugny, in the Vallée de l’Ardre, the Fleury estate is a grower-Champagne producer and a pioneer of environmentally conscious viticulture. In 1989, Jean-Pierre Fleury converted the estate to biodynamics, becoming one of the first in Champagne to adopt this holistic philosophy. The vineyards are largely situated in the Côte des Bar and Vallée de l’Ardre, where clay-limestone soils (geologically similar to those of Chablis) provide structure, minerality, and depth. The cool conditions of the valley help preserve acidity and precision.
Unlike large houses that blend broadly to maintain stylistic consistency, Georges Fleury focuses on vineyard character and vintage identity. Parcels are often vinified separately, indigenous yeasts are used, and some cuvées undergo secondary fermentation under natural cork rather than crown cap, allowing subtle oxygen exchange and contributing to aromatic complexity over time.
For this bottle, I paid 32.90 EUR at Les Caves du Forum in Reims.
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Type: Sparkling
Vintage: 2020
Producer: Georges Fleury Champagne
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5