A young talent with a clear vision, Flavien Nowack has transformed the family estate over the last 10 years. For generations (the estate was founded in 1850), his family has grown and made wine in... Read More

A young talent with a clear vision, Flavien Nowack has transformed the family estate over the last 10 years. For generations (the estate was founded in 1850), his family has grown and made wine in the village of Vandieres in the Marne. They produced traditional, blended Champagne, using conventional methods both in the vineyard and cellar.

After spending time under the tutelage of Emmanuel Brochet as well as other younger generation grower/producers, Flavian was convinced that his family estate contains the exceptional terroir needed to produce single vintage, single parcel bottlings. So in 2011, he took over and started the slow process of changing almost everything about how his family grows and makes Champagne.

Flavien is passionate that nothing should ever come between the purest expression of terroir. He farms organically, does not chaptalize, uses native yeast for the primary fermentation and does not seek malo-lactic fermentation. The secondary fermentation (prise de mousse) is with grape must, rather than selected yeasts and liqueur, and is aged in bottle under cork instead of crown cap. As a result, his Champagnes are lower in pressure than is typical which underscores the vinous quality of these exceptionally soft and delicate wines. Extended lees-aging results in an ultra-fine bead and lithe palate.

It is remarkable that 30 years after it began the grower revolution in Champagne continues unabated. Flavien Nowack is a part of the youngest generation to carry the flag. Inspired by their patron saint, Jacque Selosse, he is crafting wines that are rooted deeply in the traditions and terroir of Champagne that are uniquely delicious and put the region's immense potential on full display.