Champagne Gardet, under the leadership of Christophe Prieux, commemorates its 130th anniversary with a special cuvée that encapsulates the house's dedication to quality winemaking. Despite not originating from a lineage of winemakers, Prieux has forged a deep connection with Champagne's heritage through his family's agricultural roots. His tenure at Champagne Gardet since 2007 reflects a commitment to preserving the brand’s historical essence while enhancing its reputation in the wine industry.

The anniversary is marked by the unveiling of an Extra-Brut vintage cuvée, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. This cuvée, dominated by Pinot Noir and complemented by Chardonnay, embodies the house’s signature style. The celebration also highlights the enduring family spirit that defines Champagne Gardet, ensuring continuity and harmony across generations.

A Journey Through Time: Preserving Heritage Amidst Change

Christophe Prieux's journey into the world of Champagne is deeply intertwined with his family's history in the region. Although his ancestors transitioned from agriculture to commerce, their connection to the land remained unbroken. Prieux's passion for high-quality winemaking and regional history led him to Champagne Gardet, where he found a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The house's Belle Époque mansion and century-old tuns serve as tangible reminders of its storied past.

Prieux emphasizes the importance of the house's historical weight, which permeates every aspect of its operations. Despite tumultuous periods, including the sale and subsequent repurchase of the brand by Charles Gardet's son Georges, the family ethos endured. This resilience underscores the significance of family involvement in maintaining consistency and fostering harmonious growth. Today, with Clémence joining the team, the next generation continues this legacy, ensuring the brand remains true to its roots while embracing the future.

An Ode to Craftsmanship: The Special Anniversary Cuvée

To honor its milestone, Champagne Gardet introduces the Millésime Extra-Brut 2015, a testament to the house's commitment to excellence. This cuvée features a dominant presence of Pinot Noir from the premier cru village of Chigny-les-Roses, paired with a refined Chardonnay component. The winemaking process adheres to traditional methods, utilizing only the finest press juices and incorporating reserve wines aged in barrels. The result is a meticulously crafted expression of Champenoise winemaking, enhanced by eight years of lees aging and an extra-brut dosage.

This cuvée builds upon the success of the previous decade's celebratory bottling, establishing a tradition of marking each significant anniversary with a new release. The elegant branding accompanying the anniversary further solidifies the house's identity. By focusing on quality, heritage, and family, Champagne Gardet ensures its continued prominence in the wine world. Christophe Prieux envisions a future where the brand gains greater recognition while remaining rooted in its familial foundation, celebrating both its illustrious past and promising future.