Vincent Laval: Upholding Tradition and Organic Excellence in Champagne
Vincent Laval was immersed in the world of winemaking from a young age, and it quickly became a passion for him. He continues the work of his father, Georges Laval, while respecting the values that have guided their family for generations. His focus is on preserving the uniqueness of each plot, supporting the winemaking process, and ensuring that each bottle expresses that individuality.
Vincent’s dedication to organic viticulture is rooted in the pioneering efforts of his father. In 1971, Georges made the bold decision to transition to organic farming after learning of the presence of pesticides in the Arctic ice, despite there being no agriculture in that area. At the time, fewer than ten vignerons in the Champagne region were practicing organic and natural winemaking, and Georges’s commitment set him apart. When Vincent took over the estate in 1996, he continued this essential practice, believing it was the best way to preserve the unique aromas and flavors of their terroirs while producing exceptional Champagne.
Vincent’s estate, located in the south-facing village of Cumières in the Montagne de Reims, spans 3.4 hectares, including prestigious sites such as Les Chênes, Les Hautes Chèvres, and Les Longues Violes. His wine range includes the "Cumières" blend made from all of his plots, as well as single-vineyard cuvées like "Les Chênes," "Les Hautes Chèvres," and "Les Longues Violes." An exception to his usual production is "Les Garennes," made from a réserve perpetuelle and featuring a mild dosage.
A hallmark of Vincent’s approach is the emphasis on manual labor at every stage of production. His small team of three works the 2.5 hectares of vines and manages 9,000 bottles with great care. They prune the vines by hand to avoid soil compaction from tractor use, and each bottle is handled over fifty times from bottling to packaging. This attention to detail and dedication to organic practices are central to the estate’s philosophy.
Environmental sustainability is also a priority. In addition to using only organic treatments on the vines, Vincent and his team have implemented measures to protect their crops from pesticide drift from neighboring farms. These include treating additional plots and consolidating parcels of land to minimize exposure to chemicals. The team also worked with the CIVC to ensure that aerial treatments are kept over 15 meters away from their organic vines.
Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to organic practices, Vincent Laval continues the legacy of his family while ensuring that Champagne remains rooted in tradition, quality, and sustainability. His estate stands as a testament to the power of preserving the integrity of the land, the wine, and the environment for future generations.