The Southern Extension
Côte de Sézanne
Where the Côte des Blancs continues south, Chardonnay takes on tropical notes, Pinot Noir finds its footing in clay, and innovative growers craft singular expressions from single vineyards
Champagne's Warm Frontier
A geological continuation of the Côte des Blancs with a distinctly different personality
The Côte de Sézanne stretches 30 kilometers south from the Côte des Blancs, forming a bridge between Champagne's white wine heartland and the Pinot Noir-dominated Côte des Bar. While geologically related to its famous neighbor—both lie on the same chalk bedrock—the Côte de Sézanne has developed its own distinct identity. Here, Chardonnay achieves riper, more tropical expressions, with lower acidity and more immediate appeal than the laser-focused wines of Le Mesnil or Avize. The region is also home to surprisingly serious Pinot Noir, planted on clay-rich soils that provide depth and structure.
Unlike the Côte des Blancs with its six Grand Cru villages, the Côte de Sézanne has no Grand Crus—all 12 villages are classified as "autre cru" (87% on the historic Échelle des Crus). Yet this lack of official prestige has not prevented the region from producing exceptional wines. In fact, the Côte de Sézanne has become a hotbed for innovation, with producers like Ulysse Collin and Le Brun de Neuville crafting single-vineyard expressions that rival the best of Champagne. The region's relative obscurity means exceptional value for discerning drinkers.
The climate here is slightly warmer and more humid than the Côte des Blancs, with vineyards planted on south and southeast-facing slopes that maximize sun exposure. The soils are more heterogeneous—while chalk remains the bedrock, the topsoil contains more clay, sand, and Sparnacian earth than the pure chalk of Le Mesnil. This creates conditions for riper, more generous wines that offer a different expression of Champagne: less austere, more approachable, yet capable of surprising complexity and longevity in the right hands.
Key Facts
- Location: South of Côte des Blancs, Marne & Aube
- Size: 1,479 hectares (3,655 acres)
- Length: 30km stretch of villages
- Soil: Chalk with clay, sand, Sparnacian earth
- Climate: Warmer, more humid than Côte des Blancs
- Main Grape: Chardonnay (77%)
- Classification: 12 villages, all "autre cru" (87%)
From Obscurity to Innovation
How the Côte de Sézanne became Champagne's laboratory for single-vineyard expression
Geological Formation
The same Campanian chalk that forms the Côte des Blancs continues south, creating the foundation of the Côte de Sézanne. However, the topsoils here are more varied, with deeper clay and sand deposits than the pure chalk slopes further north.
Monastic Plantings
Monks recognize the potential of the south-facing slopes, planting vines in the villages around Sézanne. The wines are valued for their fruit and approachability, though they lack the prestige of the Côte des Blancs.
The Échelle des Crus
The Champagne riots lead to the establishment of the Échelle des Crus classification system. The Côte de Sézanne villages are rated 87% for white grapes and 85% for black grapes—"autre cru" status that brands the region as secondary to the Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs.
Le Brun de Neuville Founded
In the village of Bethon, 26 winegrowers establish "La Crayère," which would become Le Brun de Neuville. The cooperative model dominates the region, with growers selling grapes to large houses rather than bottling their own.
Ulysse Collin Revolution
Olivier Collin releases his first single-vineyard Champagne, "Les Pierrières," from Congy in the Côte de Sézanne. He is the first to treat the region's terroir with the same seriousness as Grand Cru villages, employing Burgundian techniques and zero dosage. The "Les Maillons" from Barbonne-Fayel follows in 2006, establishing Pinot Noir from the Côte de Sézanne as a serious proposition.
The Single-Vineyard Movement
Following Collin's lead, producers like Le Brun de Neuville begin emphasizing terroir-specific bottlings. The region becomes known as Champagne's "laboratory" for experimentation—biodynamic farming, natural winemaking, and single-parcel expressions flourish here, free from the weight of Grand Cru tradition.
Pertois-Moriset Returns to Club Trésors
The prestigious Club Trésors de Champagne (Special Club) admits Pertois-Moriset, recognizing the quality potential of the Côte de Sézanne. Their "L'Assemblage" cuvée, combining Côte de Sézanne Pinot Noir with Côte des Blancs Chardonnay, demonstrates the region's blending value.
Recognition & Renaissance
The Côte de Sézanne gains recognition as a source of exceptional value and innovation. Wines from Ulysse Collin achieve cult status, while Le Brun de Neuville's "Extra Blanc" proves the region can produce world-class Blanc de Blancs. The "autre cru" classification increasingly seems like a historical artifact rather than a quality judgment.
Terroir: Chalk, Clay & Tropical Sun
How soil and climate create the Côte de Sézanne's distinctive style
🌡️ The Climate Factor
The Côte de Sézanne is slightly warmer and more humid than the Côte des Blancs, with vineyards planted on south and southeast-facing slopes that maximize sun exposure. This creates conditions for fuller ripeness, lower acidity, and more tropical fruit character in the wines.
🪨 Chalk with Clay
While the bedrock is the same Campanian chalk as the Côte des Blancs, the topsoil is deeper and more heterogeneous—clay, sand, and Sparnacian earth mix with limestone fragments. This provides more water retention and nutrients, leading to rounder, more generous wines.
🍇 Chardonnay's Tropical Side
Chardonnay here achieves riper expressions than in the Côte des Blancs—think yellow apple, peach, and pineapple rather than lemon and chalk. The wines are more approachable in youth but can develop complexity with age, especially from producers who emphasize terroir.
🍷 Pinot Noir's Hidden Gem
The clay-rich soils of villages like Barbonne-Fayel and Congy are perfect for Pinot Noir, providing depth and structure. Olivier Collin's "Les Maillons" Blanc de Noirs proves the variety can achieve excellence here, with wines of remarkable concentration and aging potential.
🏞️ The Village Mosaic
The 12 villages of the Côte de Sézanne each have distinct characteristics. Bethon and Montgenost have the highest Chardonnay percentages (94%), while Sézanne itself is more mixed (66% Chardonnay). The southern villages in the Aube department show different soil compositions.
⚡ The "Autre Cru" Advantage
Without the weight of Grand Cru tradition, producers in the Côte de Sézanne are free to experiment. This has made the region a hotbed for innovation—biodynamic farming, natural winemaking, and single-vineyard expressions flourish here, often at prices well below equivalent quality from Grand Cru villages.
The 12 Villages of the Côte de Sézanne
| Village | Hectares | Chardonnay % | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sézanne | 206.1 ha | 66% | Historic center, mixed plantings |
| Barbonne-Fayel | 265.2 ha | 70% | Pinot Noir on clay (Ulysse Collin) |
| Bethon | 195.0 ha | 92% | Chardonnay specialist (Le Brun de Neuville) |
| Montgenost | 108.7 ha | 94% | Highest Chardonnay percentage |
| Broyes | 140.3 ha | 63% | More Pinot Meunier, clay soils |
| Congy | Part of region | Mixed | Home of Ulysse Collin (Les Enfers) |
Village by Village
Exploring the distinct personalities of the Côte de Sézanne
Bethon
Chardonnay Heartland • 92% White Grapes
The spiritual home of Le Brun de Neuville, Bethon is almost exclusively planted to Chardonnay. The village sits on chalk soils with clay-limestone topsoils that give wines of surprising freshness and minerality for the Côte de Sézanne. Le Brun de Neuville's "Cote Blanche" and "Extra Blanc" demonstrate that Bethon can produce Blanc de Blancs of real distinction—tropical fruit yes, but with underlying structure and aging potential. The cooperative model here has evolved to emphasize terroir expression.
Key Producers: Le Brun de Neuville
Barbonne-Fayel
Pinot Noir Paradise • Clay Soils
The home of Ulysse Collin's "Les Maillons," Barbonne-Fayel proves that the Côte de Sézanne can produce world-class Pinot Noir. The 2.5-hectare "Les Maillons" vineyard sits on deep clay soils over chalk, with a 200-meter elevation difference between top and bottom. Planted in 1971-72, these old vines produce Pinot Noir of remarkable concentration and finesse. The Blanc de Noirs from this site rivals anything from the Montagne de Reims, with red fruit, spice, and extraordinary depth.
Key Producers: Ulysse Collin (Les Maillons)
Congy
The Ulysse Collin Home • Chardonnay Excellence
The village where Olivier Collin is based, Congy is home to two of his most prized vineyards: "Les Enfers" and "Les Roises." "Les Enfers" (0.6 ha) produces a Blanc de Blancs of astonishing complexity and depth—taut, mineral, and long-lived. "Les Roises" (0.6 ha, 75-year-old vines) is south-facing, producing rich, concentrated Chardonnay. These single-vineyard expressions have put Congy on the map as a source of serious, terroir-driven Champagne.
Key Producers: Ulysse Collin (Les Enfers, Les Roises)
Sézanne
Historic Center • Mixed Plantings
The historic town that gives the region its name, Sézanne has more diverse plantings than surrounding villages (66% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir). The town itself is charming, with medieval architecture and a lively market. Champagne Pierre Pinard has been based here since 1585, representing the traditional grower model. The wines from Sézanne tend to be approachable and fruity, reflecting the warmer climate and mixed grape varieties.
Key Producers: Champagne Pierre Pinard
Montgenost
Chardonnay Specialist • 94% White Grapes
With the highest percentage of Chardonnay in the region (94%), Montgenost produces wines of pure, focused expression. The village is small but significant, with vineyards planted on southeast-facing slopes that capture morning sun. The style here is classic Côte de Sézanne—tropical fruit, round texture, and immediate appeal—though careful winemaking can yield more serious expressions.
Key Producers: Various small growers
Villenauxe-la-Grande
The Southern Outpost • Aube Department
The southernmost village of the Côte de Sézanne, actually located in the Aube department rather than Marne. The soils here transition toward the Kimmeridgian marl of the Côte des Bar. With 82% Chardonnay, the village produces wines that bridge the styles of the Côte de Sézanne and Côte des Bar—riper, more approachable, with a distinct mineral signature different from the northern villages.
Key Producers: Small independent growers
The Grapes of the Southern Slopes
Chardonnay dominates, but Pinot Noir and Meunier play important roles
Chardonnay
The dominant grape, achieving riper, more tropical expressions than in the Côte des Blancs. Think yellow apple, peach, and pineapple rather than lemon and chalk.
- Plantings: ~1,136 hectares (77%)
- Style: Tropical fruit, round, approachable
- Top Villages: Bethon (92%), Montgenost (94%)
- Notable: Lower acidity than Côte des Blancs
- Use: Blanc de Blancs, blending
Pinot Noir
Thrives on clay-rich soils in villages like Barbonne-Fayel. Produces wines of surprising depth and structure, as demonstrated by Ulysse Collin's "Les Maillons."
- Plantings: ~266 hectares (18%)
- Style: Red fruit, spice, body
- Top Villages: Barbonne-Fayel, Broyes
- Soil: Deep clay over chalk
- Use: Blanc de Noirs, rosé, blending
Pinot Meunier
Planted in cooler, clay-heavy sites. Provides fruitiness and approachability, particularly in the northern villages like Broyes.
- Plantings: ~70 hectares (5%)
- Style: Fruity, floral, early-drinking
- Top Villages: Broyes (15%), Sézanne (18%)
- Use: Blending, rosé
The Côte de Sézanne Style
Blanc de Blancs: Riper and more tropical than the Côte des Blancs—yellow apple, peach, pineapple, and mango notes are common. The acidity is softer, making these wines more approachable in youth. However, top producers like Le Brun de Neuville and Ulysse Collin craft wines of real structure and aging potential.
Blanc de Noirs: The surprise of the region. Ulysse Collin's "Les Maillons" proves that Pinot Noir from the Côte de Sézanne can achieve concentration and finesse rivaling the Montagne de Reims. The clay soils provide body and depth.
Rosé: Both saignée and assemblage methods are used. The warmer climate allows for fuller ripeness of Pinot Noir, creating rosés of depth and color.
Pioneers & Innovators
The producers who put the Côte de Sézanne on the map
Icons of the Region
Traditional Growers & Rising Stars
Food Pairing & Gastronomy
The approachable style of Côte de Sézanne makes it versatile at the table
Pairings for Côte de Sézanne Blanc de Blancs
- Spicy Seafood: The roundness handles spice better than austere Blanc de Blancs
- Roasted Chicken: Classic pairing with the wine's fuller body
- Creamy Pasta: Carbonara, Alfredo—the wine's richness matches
- Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, triple-cream
- Fruit-Based Desserts: The tropical notes complement fruit tarts
- Sushi: Especially richer preparations with avocado or mayo
Pairings for Côte de Sézanne Pinot Noir
- Grilled Salmon: The wine's body stands up to rich fish
- Duck Breast: Red fruit and spice complement the meat
- Mushroom Risotto: Earthy flavors with the wine's depth
- Charcuterie: The saltiness brings out the wine's fruit
- Roasted Pork: A classic match for Pinot Noir
- Aged Comté: The nuttiness pairs with mature Champagne
Local Gastronomy
The region shares the culinary traditions of southern Champagne—jambon de Reims (ham in Champagne gelée), Chaource cheese (creamy cow's milk), and Biscuits Roses de Reims (pink cookies for dipping in Champagne). The town of Sézanne has excellent restaurants featuring local produce. For a true regional experience, visit during the harvest season (September) when the villages come alive with festivals and cellar door tastings.
Visiting the Côte de Sézanne
Authentic Champagne country, away from the tourist crowds
🍇 Ulysse Collin
The ultimate destination for serious wine lovers. Visits are by appointment only and highly sought-after. Olivier Collin personally conducts tastings, explaining his philosophy of single-vineyard expression. Located in Congy, south of Sézanne. Book well in advance—this is one of Champagne's most exclusive experiences.
🏛️ Le Brun de Neuville
Based in Bethon, this cooperative offers a more accessible but equally educational experience. Tours explain the sustainable viticulture practices and the terroir of the Côte de Sézanne. Tastings include the full range from "Cote Blanche" to "Extra Blanc." A good option for understanding the region's cooperative history.
🏘️ The Town of Sézanne
A charming historic town with medieval architecture, excellent restaurants, and a lively market. Less touristy than Épernay or Reims, it offers an authentic glimpse of Champagne life. Base yourself here to explore the surrounding villages. The tourist office can arrange visits to smaller producers.
2-Day Itinerary: The Côte de Sézanne Discovery
Day 1 - Bethon & Le Brun de Neuville: Morning drive from Épernay (45 minutes) to Bethon. Visit Le Brun de Neuville for a tour and tasting, understanding the cooperative model and sustainable viticulture. Lunch in Sézanne at a local bistro. Afternoon exploration of the town, including the medieval center and market. Dinner with local Champagne.
Day 2 - Ulysse Collin & the South: The highlight—appointment with Ulysse Collin in Congy (must book weeks/months ahead). Taste the full range: Les Pierrières, Les Maillons, Les Enfers, Les Roises. Understand single-vineyard expression in Champagne. Lunch nearby. Afternoon drive south to see the transition to Côte des Bar terroir. Return to Paris via Troyes (historic cathedral town) or back to Épernay.