Fleury

History of Champagne Fleury

Founded in 1895 in Courteron, at the heart of the Côte des Bar, the Fleury estate is synonymous with innovation in Champagne viticulture. The Fleury family stood out early on, thanks to Emile Fleury, who was the first to replant grafted Pinot Noir vines after the phylloxera crisis in the early 20th century. His son, Robert Fleury, made his mark by becoming one of the first "récoltants-manipulants" (grower-producers) in 1929, a bold move during the Great Depression.

The family’s innovative spirit did not stop there. In 1970, Jean-Pierre Fleury, passionate about astronomy and aware of the damage caused by pesticides, decided to convert part of the vineyard to organic farming. In 1989, he took a further step by introducing biodynamics, a first in Champagne. This radical and visionary choice enabled Fleury to establish itself as a reference in the production of natural champagnes.

Today, the fourth generation, led by Jean-Sébastien Fleury, continues this tradition of innovation while respecting nature and the Champagne terroir. Each member of the Fleury family brings their own personal touch: Benoît, one of the sons, oversees the vineyards and develops agroforestry, while Morgane Fleury, who owns a natural wine bar in Paris, promotes Fleury champagnes in trendy venues in the capital.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Champagne Fleury

The Champagne Fleury terroir is located in the Côte des Bar, in the south of the Aube, on clay-limestone hills formed during the Kimmeridgian period, 150 million years ago. This specific terroir is ideal for vine cultivation, particularly Pinot Noir, which represents 85% of the estate’s 15 hectares. The remainder is planted with Chardonnay (10%) and other Champagne grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris, the latter reintroduced in 2010.

Fleury considers its vineyards as a living ecosystem. Thanks to the use of biodynamic preparations, the vines are in perfect harmony with their environment. The soil is worked by hand or with horses in certain plots, to encourage the natural and balanced development of the vines. This attention to the land and the plant ensures the production of high-quality grapes, with unique characteristics specific to each parcel.

Vinification at Champagne Fleury

Champagne Fleury’s winemaking process reflects the family’s commitment to respectful viticulture. Since 1997, the house has reintroduced wood fermentation, with oak barrels used for wines from the estate's oldest vines, aged 30 to 45 years. The oak vat gallery, built in 2007 under the direction of Jean-Sébastien, exemplifies the estate’s traditional and artisanal approach.

Fermentation occurs slowly and on lees, until the spring following harvest. The wines are then blended by the family during meticulous tastings to create harmonious cuvées that are representative of the terroir. The estate also employs innovative techniques, such as the "reversed solera," where a portion of reserve wines is added to the blend of each new harvest.

One of the great innovations of the Fleury estate is the production of the sulphur-free cuvée "Sonate," launched in 2009. This non-sulphited champagne highlights the purity and finesse of the wine’s natural aromas, a true technical feat in the Champagne region.

The Cuvées of Champagne Fleury

Champagne Fleury offers a diverse range of cuvées, all produced following biodynamic principles:

Blanc de Noirs Brut: Created in 1955, this emblematic cuvée is a pure Pinot Noir aged for four years. It stands out for its notes of white peach and structured elegance.

Fleur de l’Europe Brut Nature: The estate’s first biodynamic cuvée, this blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is distinguished by its lack of dosage, offering a fresh and precise champagne.

Rosé de Saignée Brut: Made using the traditional saignée method, this 100% Pinot Noir rosé boasts a luscious bouquet of red fruits, with great drinkability.

Cépages Blancs Extra Brut: This 100% Chardonnay reveals aromas of dried fruits and white flowers, with elegant structure and lively freshness on the palate.

Notes Blanches Brut Nature: A rare and exotic single-varietal Pinot Blanc, offering generous aromas of yellow fruits and spices.

Robert Fleury Extra Brut: A cuvée in tribute to Jean-Sébastien’s grandfather, blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc, with complex aromas of ginger, quince, and roasted nuts.

Boléro Extra Brut: A 100% Pinot Noir vintage, made from the estate’s oldest plots, with notes of raisins, toasted almonds, and warm bread.

Sonate Extra Brut: Sulphur-free, this cuvée expresses the full richness of Pinot Noir, with notes of apples and candied citrus fruits.

Variation Brut Nature: A very rare 100% Pinot Gris in Champagne, with powerful aromas of exotic fruits and a long finish.

Millésime Extra Brut: Composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, this vintage offers aromas of honey, roasting, and a beautiful minerality.

Coteaux Champenois White: This still wine is a pure Pinot Blanc, vinified half in jars and half in oak barrels. The cuvée reveals notes of flint and citrus fruit with a precise, tangy finish.

Coteaux Champenois Red: A still red wine made from mature Pinot Noir grapes. Its brilliant ruby colour and bouquet of red fruit make this wine a delicious, dense and generous pleasure.

Coteaux Champenois Rosé : The latest innovation from the estate, this still rosé combines three vintages for a lively, fresh palate with luscious aromas of raspberries and wild berries.

For collectors and fans of vintage champagnes, certain years are particularly distinguished at Champagne Fleury: 2002, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2016, 2018…

If you appreciate Champagne Fleury, you may also be interested in other grower champagnes such as Egly Ouriet,  Larmandier Bernier, Agrapart, Lahertefreres, Dehours & fils, Ruppert Leroy, Françoise Bedel, R. Pouillon, Eric Rodez, Chartogne Taillet, Selosse, Jacques Lassaigne or Benoit Marguet, as well as our vintage and terroir champagnes.

Champagne Fleury is a pioneering and iconic estate that combines respect for nature, family tradition, and innovation in its agricultural and winemaking practices. By embracing biodynamics and striving to showcase the best of each vintage, the Fleury house offers champagnes that are both authentic and unique. Whether you are a fan of natural wines or simply in search of exceptional champagnes, Fleury’s cuvées are an invitation to discovery and sensory delight.