Roland Piollot couldn’t be further from the "Cellar Master" that runs the large Champagne houses. A grower who spends almost all his time tending to his small holding of vines, he has far more in... Read More

Roland Piollot couldn’t be further from the "Cellar Master" that runs the large Champagne houses. A grower who spends almost all his time tending to his small holding of vines, he has far more in common with the artisans of Burgundy.

There is something very special about those vines. After the War, virtually everyone started replanting with clones that were more productive or more resistant to disease than the heritage vines. But Piollot’s granddad didn't trust the new clones, and the family never stopped the old tradition of massale selection, where you take clippings from your favorite plants to grow your new ones. As a result, Roland is one of the few local vignerons who can boast 100% heritage vines.

Piollot farms those biodynamically and then makes his Champagnes naturally. There is no dosage. Today’s wine comes from Pinot Noir grown in a single parcel up on a hill, where the vines face southward. The extra sun exposure, as well as the biodynamic farming, ensure ripe enough grapes that no dosage is needed for balance.