We tracked this domaine, based in Courmas on the Petite Montagne de Reims, under the radar , over two years, impressed by the painstaking detail of their vineyard and cellar work and (we think!) the delicacy of their wines. Scala became the sole UK distributor, beating off some stiff competition from other UK interest. Yann Alexandre studied in Beaune, Rouffach and Avize and made wine in Switzerland and Bordeaux before taking over the family domaine. His wife S verine is equally involved. 6.5ha of vines in 30 parcels spread over 6 villages, about half planted to Meunier, one third Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir. Herbicide was stopped completely 15 years ago and ploughing begun. They have achieved the highest level of certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale 3). Only the cuvée is used from the press, a huge quality step for a grower to take, and fermentation is somewhat cooler than classic, at around 16C rather than 20C, for fine aromas. Their wines are on some top lists in Champagne: L Assiette Champenoise (3*) and Les Crayeres (2*), as well as in Sweden, the USA, Denmark and Milan.
STOP PRESS October 2020: Yann and Severine again confirmed as 1* rating by RVF
STOP PRESS Champagne Yann Alexandre has just (Oct 2019) been promoted to 1 Star rating
in the new edition of the 2020 Guide – The Best Wines of France from La Revue du Vin de France (RVF). They now sit alongside are Pierre Gimonnet, Laherte Freres, and Doyard. Bruno Paillard, Taittinger, Perrier Jouet and Tarlant are established at 1* too, so Yann Alexandre are in elite company!
STOP PRESS FEBRUARY 2020: Single vineyard Sous-les-Roses is selected for the wine list by 3* Michelin Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris.
APRIL 2021: The Blancs de Blancs 2012 wins gold medal, (95/100) at the Decanter World Wine Awards, London.
