The history of Champagne Hugues Godmé dates back to the 1930s when Hugues' ancestors began cultivating vines on the slopes of Verzenay. In 1978, Hugues officially joined the family estate, bringing with him a vision of excellence and a desire to preserve the authenticity of Champagne traditions whilst adopting more environmentally friendly practices.
In the 2000s, faced with the harmful effects of chemical products traditionally used in vineyards, Hugues began to question the impact of these substances on both his health and his land. This reflection led him to gradually transition towards organic practices from 2006, before taking the step towards biodynamics in 2011. In 2013, the estate officially obtained organic certification, followed by biodynamic certification in 2014. Today, the House of Hugues Godmé continues this heritage by producing exceptional champagnes, the fruits of an alchemy between respect for terroir and family expertise passed down through generations.
Champagne Hugues Godmé extends over approximately 7.5 hectares of vineyards spread across four villages in the Montagne de Reims: Verzenay, Verzy, Villers-Marmery and Ville-Dommange. These emblematic Champagne terroirs, composed mainly of chalk, limestone and clay, give the champagnes a unique mineral structure and beautiful aromatic complexity.
Verzenay and Verzy: These Grand Cru villages are the cradle of Pinot Noir. The chalky soils and northern climate allow for the production of wines with a slender profile, marked by lovely acidity and firm structure, even in the warmest vintages.
Villers-Marmery: Classified as Premier Cru, this terroir is mainly dedicated to Chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety of Champagne. The chalk of Villers-Marmery brings wines of remarkable finesse, with floral notes and subtle minerality.
Ville-Dommange: This terroir, also classified as Premier Cru, is mainly planted with Pinot Meunier. This grape variety contributes to the roundness and lusciousness of the estate's wines, adding fruity notes and ripe fruit aromas.
Each plot is worked with care and according to natural rhythms. Natural grass coverage, ploughing and the exclusive use of composts and plant-based preparations promote biodiversity and soil health, thus allowing the vines to flourish fully and reveal all the richness of their terroir.
The vinification at Champagne Hugues Godmé is a meticulous process where each step is designed to respect the typicity of the terroir and grape variety. The harvest is carried out by hand for rigorous grape selection, and each plot is vinified separately to preserve the unique expression of its terroir.
Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, without fining or filtration. The juices are pressed at the estate and vinified in stainless steel tanks, cement or neutral oak barrels to preserve the aromas and freshness of the grape. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, without intervention, allowing the wines to develop a harmonious structure and aromatic complexity. In the cellar, Hugues Godmé champagnes age on lees for an extended period, ranging from 30 months to over 10 years depending on the cuvée, for fine effervescence and silky texture.
The House of Hugues Godmé offers a varied range of champagnes, from brut cuvées to vintage champagnes and prestige cuvées. Each bottle reflects the expertise of the estate and the essence of the Montagne de Reims terroirs.
Les Terres d'Unions Premier Cru Extra Brut
A blend of the four main terroirs, this cuvée expresses all the diversity of the estate's soils. The absence of dosage or Extra Brut dosage reveals the wine's purity and elegance.
Blanc de Noirs Verzenay et Verzy
A champagne made exclusively from Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru villages of Verzenay and Verzy. This wine is characterised by a firm structure and marked minerality, with red fruit aromas and exceptional length on the palate.
Montagne de Nord
Crafted from the estate's old vines, this champagne is aged primarily in oak barrels for a complex and profound profile. Chalky notes and a silky structure characterise this elegant and refined wine, recommended for special occasions.
Extra-Brut 1er Cru Réserve
From the Verzenay vines and cultivated according to organic farming principles, this champagne symbolises the estate's excellence and commitment. Produced without filtration and with minimal sulphites, it offers a fresh and mineral profile, with white fruit and flower aromas.
The House of Hugues Godmé also offers a limited range of single-varietal champagnes, including a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Meunier. These rare cuvées, bottled without dosage or as Extra Brut, highlight the unique character of each grape variety and its terroir.
For lovers of terroir champagnes, the Montagne de Reims and its surroundings offer a multitude of interesting champagnes. Here are some renowned producers that also deserve connoisseurs' attention: Pierre Deville, Benoit Marguet, André Beaufort, A. Lambot, Eric Rodez, De Sousa, Vilmart, Egly Ouriet...
Champagne Hugues Godmé embodies champagne excellence and refinement, combining tradition and innovation to produce unique champagnes. Its commitment to biodynamics and respect for the environment gives its wines a rare authenticity and profound character, testament to a passion passed down through several generations. Each cuvée from the estate is an invitation to explore the richness of the Montagne de Reims terroirs, offering champagne enthusiasts an incomparable palette of flavours and aromas.