Roger Coulon Winery Guide

Winery Overview

Eric Coulon has become a living legend in the La Montagne de Reims region and is a character worth getting acquainted with. From his base in the charming village of Vrigny, he crafts some of the most authentic and complex Champagne available today. He is living proof that great Champagne does not begin and end with the Grande Marques, as anyone who has tasted a bottle of Roger Coulon can testify!

Roger Coulon boasts a history as long as any in the Champagne region; indeed, Eric and his wife Isabelle Coulon represent the eighth generation of the family to be involved in producing quality Champagne. Since 1806, this dynamic family has grown grapes in the La Montage de Reims region, with choice vineyards spread out in the three Premier Cru villages of Vrigny, Coulommes, and Pargny, very close to the historic city of Reims. Coulon’s vineyards and beautiful wine cellar are pristinely maintained, and his continuing success results from his monumental hard work in the vineyard and winery. A “terroir is all” approach is at the heart of this outfit, evidenced by Coulon limiting artificial inputs in the vineyard as much as possible. Instead, he practices what he calls ‘reasoned agriculture,’ restricting herbicide and pesticide use, favoring techniques like ‘sexual confusion,’ which helps keep pests away from his precious vines. Moreover, he only uses the finest indigenous yeasts to ferment all his wines. The results are healthier, more balanced vines and superlative, rich Champagne.

Very unusually for a Champagne vigneron, Coulon shows great pride in his old Pinot Meunier vines, which traditionally divided the region. Some growers regard the variety as a poor relation between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But Coulon has been vindicated with his superb selection of artisan Champagnes, showing great richness, depth, and terroir-based complexity. And if that wasn’t enough to get excited about, there is also a superb hotel and restaurant next door, where you can sample your way through old vintages over a leisurely lunch. Experience this wonderful Champagne estate on our private, luxury Champagne Tours.

Wines produced

Champagne Roger Coulon Brut Grande Tradition
- Brut
A varying blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, the last grape playing a dominant role, usually over 40%. Produced from Premier Cru vineyards, using the traditional method. The wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 3 years before being disgorged.
Champagne Roger Coulon Reserve de l'Hommee

An equal blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay wines are barrel aged for 7 months before blending, to add richness and complexity. Produced from Premier Cru vineyards, using the traditional method. The wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 5 years before being disgorged.
Champagne Roger Coulon Brut Rose
- Rosé
- Brut
80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir. Produced from Premier Cru vineyards, using the traditional method. The rose color is achieved through the maceration or saignée method. The wine is aged on its lees for 3 years before being disgorged.
Champagne Roger Coulon Brut vintage Blanc de Noirs
- Brut
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Pinot Meunier. Produced from old Pinot Meunier vineyards, using the traditional method. The wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 5 years before being disgorged.
Champagne Roger Coulon Esprit de Vrigny

An equal blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The wine is produced from vineyards exclusively in the village of Vrigny, using the traditional method. The wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 6 years before being disgorged. No Dosage is used.
Champagne Roger Coulon Les Coteaux du Vallier

20% Pinot Noir and 80% Chardonnay. The Chardonnay undergoes barrel maturation for 1 year before blending. Produced using the traditional method, the wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 8 years before being disgorged.

Winery Contact Details

Roger Coulon 12 Rue de la Vigne du Roy, 5 1390 Vrigny France

Facts & Figures

A
Appellation
- AOC Champagne
Founded

1806
Area under Vine

10 hectares
Age of vines

30 years+
O
Oak barrel origin
- French
W
Winemaker
- Eric Coulon
O
Owner
- Coulon Family
Production

90,000 bottles per year
G
Grape varietals
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Author

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.

Roger Coulon Winery Guide

Winery Overview

Champagne Wine Tour

Wines produced

Champagne Roger Coulon Brut Grande Tradition

Champagne Roger Coulon Reserve de l'Hommee

Champagne Roger Coulon Brut Rose

Champagne Roger Coulon Brut vintage Blanc de Noirs

Champagne Roger Coulon Esprit de Vrigny

Champagne Roger Coulon Les Coteaux du Vallier

Winery Contact Details

Facts & Figures

Appellation

Founded

Area under Vine

Age of vines

Oak barrel origin

Winemaker

Owner

Production

Grape varietals

Further Reading

Navigating French Wine Labels: Expert Tips on Regions and Quality Indicators

Mauzac Grape Variety

Pinot Noir Grape Variety: From the Sublime to the Ridiculous

Clairette Blanche Grape Variety: Comeback Special

Pinot Blanc Grape Variety: Just a Little Respect

Gros Manseng Grape Variety: Jurançon’s Hidden Treasure

Author

James lawrence

Private wine travel experts, recommended by leading travel publications