Champagne Vazart-Coquart

Jean-Pierre Vazart is an imposing man. He’s big, assured to the point of showing a playful arrogance, and is one hell of a character. His wines were recommended to us by local Cap Classique guru and Champagne encyclopedia, Pieter Ferreira, and for good reason. They farm with organic certification in Chouilly, at the heart of the chalky Côte des Blancs. Prime Chardonnay territory.

Jean-Pierre took the reins in 1991, as the third generation. His father convinced his grandfather to stop selling fruit to the big houses, and go it their own in the 1950s. In so doing, becoming a 'Grower Champagne' producer; producers who work exclusively with their own vineyard. They farm like Burgundians, for quality over quantity. Whilst in the cellar, the wines show precision, detail and clarity. 

In the middle of the 20th century, several flocks of geese waddled through the village in the morning and evening, sometimes causing minor traffic jams. The neighbouring villages were quick to choose the nickname of “bilots” for the people of Chouilly. It is a synonym for goose in the local Champagne dialect, and so these feisty birds grace the Vazart-Coquart logo.