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Mailly Winery Guide

Winery Overview

The Mailly wine estate in the Champagne region is something of a modern legend, a shining example of how shared ownership and a passion for quality can produce spectacular results. Founded in 1929 by a large group of Champagne growers, Mailly was initially born out of adversity and a desire to overcome the odds. This property’s story began with the great stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent economic depression, which hit the region’s fortunes hard as demand for luxury products plummeted. The growers had a choice: continue to struggle alone or join forces and strive for prosperity. They chose the latter!

They established a co-operative, then known as the Association of Mailly Champagne Growers, with a single-minded vision to produce the best Champagne in the village of Mailly. Their motto, ‘a la tete par la main’ (together we can make it happen), bound them together on their journey to greatness. The growers could have scarcely chosen a better location, as the sacred terroir of Mailly was classified as Grand Cru, the top Champagne ranking in 1920. Grapes had been grown in the village since the late 12th century, and the nobility had favored the wines of Mailly since the middle ages. The growers, recognizing this potential and unrivaled knowledge of their cherished terroir, produced powerful and long-lasting wines with a reputation that ensured they found willing buyers, despite the less-than-favorable economic conditions.

Today, the wines of Mailly are presided over by the gifted winemaker Herve Dantan. His energy, combined with the grower’s prowess in cultivating the grapes, has ensured that Mailly remains one of the most dynamic co-operatives in the region, producing rich, moreish Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne. Visitors only need to glimpse the unique seven-story gravity-fed installation to realize this is a rather special organization. The growers wanted a modern winery, not a stately Chateau, to symbolize Champagne’s diversity. Taste their quality wines on a special wine tour with us, touring the extensive cellar and enjoying views of the majestic vineyards- an experience that none will forget and all will treasure.

Champagne Wine Tour

Champagne Wine Tour

Embark on a legendary Champagne wine tour and savor exquisite cuisine. Discover iconic houses, and indulge in the magic of Champagne. Book now!

View Champagne tour

Further Reading

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French Wine Classifications

July 9, 2024

Discover the rich history and traditions that have shaped French wine production, from the creation of regulated appellations to the rise of natural wines.

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Author

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James lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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Private wine travel experts, recommended by leading travel publications

  • National Geographic
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  • Forbes Travel Guide