Champagne Borel-Lucas

Borel-Lucas

Champagne Borel-Lucas are located in the village of Etoges in the Côte des Blancs. Marcel Lucas began business in the 1929 as is so often the case the Champagne house passed from generation to generation and today Christophe and Céline Crépaux manage the vineyards and cellars. To get the most out a visit it would be best to speak some French, as this is a classic, hardworking independent producer in a village that is slightly off the ‘beaten track’.

Edith Greten

Terroir

Champagne Borel-Lucas are located in Etoges specialize in Blanc de Blancs and they own land in the Grand Cru terroir in the famous Cru of Cramant. They also own land at the beginning of the Marne Valley just to the west of Epernay at Courtemont-Varennes.

Etoges has a few other Champagne producers e.g. Ruffin et Fils, and the place could be considered a ‘bridge’ between the classic coteaux of the Côte des Blancs and the Côte de Sézanne, a short drive away to the southwest.

The Champagne

Like all independent producers, Borel-Lucas keep the entire production process in-house. Champagne Borel-Lucas specializes in Blanc de Blancs and you should not be put off by the number of options. Each variety of Blanc de Blancs gives a distinct flavour profile and if you ever wanted a masterclass in the possibilities of how the Chardonnay grape can produce different aroma profiles then go and visit Borel-Lucas.

Champagne Borel-Lucas produce 5 different cuvée, however they may also have additional custom bottlings available at the Champagne house:

Cuvée de Réserve

Composition 80 % Pinot Meunier, 10 % Pinot Noir and 10 % Chardonnay. This Champagne has a rich colour in the glass. The nose suggests a fruity aromatic palette. Green apples from the Chardonnay, plum from the Pinot Noir and mirabelle and strewed apricots from the Meunier. There were also notes of tobacco and hazelnut, aromas suggesting greater maturity. This Champagne is incredibly good value for money at €14.50

Available in Brut or Demi-Sec.

Cuvée Art Divin

Composition: 100% Chardonnay. Slightly paler in the glass with excellent effervescence. White flowers, a touch of chalk and citrus notes. Yet again, the follow through suggests more ‘vintage’ style aromas of gingerbread and cinnamon. Comes in a clear bottle with a beautiful and unusual label. €16.90

Cuvée Sélection Brut

100% Chardonnay from the Cru of Cramant, Côte des Blancs classified as Grand Cru.

Quite a rich gold colour in the glass. This has bright vivatious taste with, unusually hints of red fruit and pear maturing in the follow through to lemon and possibly liquorice. Very good length indeed, this is a classy wine. €18.40

Cuvée Rosé Brut

The Rosé Brut is blended using 90% Chardonnay and 10% Coteaux Champenois (local still red wine). The bubbles form a pleasant mousse. The Champagne colour in the glass is a slightly orange, salmon. I get Red fruit and slightly creamy notes, this is very lively rosé that to me appeals more as an aperitif than a dessert wine. €17.60

Cuvée Soliel d’Or Grand Cru

100% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru village of Cramant. This is Borel-Lucas vintage (millésime) Champagne with grapes selected from exceptional years. Again, this Champagne suggests a touch of red fruit as well as pear. Long follow thought with a touch of lemon. This is a good aperitif Champagne. €18.40

When we visited Lucas-Borel they also had some cases of a Blanc de Blancs made to commemorate the Bicentenary (1817-2017) of the Prince of Monaco Fire Brigade. The Champagne comes in a spectacular red bottle with a custom label deign.

Borel-Lucas wrap their cuvée in coloured paper before boxing which is a nice touch. The Art Devin Champagne for example comes in a yellow wrapper.

Tourism

Chateau d’Etoges

Luxury hotel and restaurant in the village Chateaux. Chateau d’Etoges a beautiful place to visit with extensive gardens that are ideal for a picnic and a fabulous top restaurant that requires a reservation. The best complement for the restaurant is that locals travel quite long distances to eat there – book ahead.

The opinions in this article are those of the Champagnion.co.uk. We do not market or sell Champagne for this producer