Thomas de Marne

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Thomas de Marne 〰️

Thomas de Marne is a second-generation winemaker running a small, family-owned organic vineyard in Ville-sur-Arce, in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne, France. He succeeded his mother, Valérie Frison, who began cultivating the 6-hectare estate organically in 2003, with certification achieved in 2007. The vineyard, primarily planted with Pinot Noir (93%) and a small portion of Chardonnay (7%), was previously known as Champagne Val’Frison. Thomas took full control in 2020, renaming the domaine under his own name, Champagne Thomas de Marne.

After studying viticulture and oenology and gaining experience at Domaine Yoyo in Banyuls-sur-Mer, Thomas returned to the family estate in 2018 to work alongside his mother. His approach emphasizes minimal intervention, organic and biodynamic practices, and respect for the terroir, which features Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils rich in limestone. His winemaking process involves hand-harvesting, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in oak barrels, minimal sulfur use, and no dosage (Brut Nature), resulting in pure, expressive champagnes. Notable cuvées include Lalore (100% Chardonnay), Goustan Blanc de Noirs (Pinot Noir), and Coteaux Champenois (a still wine blending 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay). His champagnes are known for their finesse, minerality, and complexity, with annual production around 15,000–17,000 bottles.

Thomas is also forward-thinking, planning to implement vitiforestry by 2026, integrating hedges and fruit trees to enhance biodiversity and soil health. His work continues the family legacy while adding his modern, creative vision.

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Where to Find Thomas de Marne Champagnes

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your essential tool for global availability.** Search for "Thomas de Marne" to find merchants listing his Champagnes and compare prices.
GLUGULP! (Online, Italy & Europe Shipping) An Italian online retailer specializing in natural and artisanal wines, including Champagne Thomas de Marne.
Decántalo (Online, Spain & International Shipping) A large Spanish online wine shop that has stocked Thomas de Marne Champagnes, often with details about their organic and biodynamic approach.
Apewineboxes (Online, Italy & Europe Shipping) Specializes in natural wines and has featured Thomas de Marne's "Holistique" Brut Nature.
Marée Haute (Online, Europe) A European online retailer with a focus on natural wines, including a good selection from Thomas de Marne.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)

  • **United States (Key Importers/Retailers):**
    • **Avant-Garde Wine & Spirits (US Importer - NYC based):** They explicitly list "Champagne Thomas de Marne" as one of their producers, distributing to various states. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers working with Avant-Garde.
    • **Beaune Imports (US Importer - California based):** They represent "De Marne/Val Frison," indicating they are the primary importer for Thomas de Marne's wines, especially on the West Coast. Check their website (beauneimports.com) for their distribution network and retailers they supply.
    • **Thirst Wine Merchants (Brooklyn, NY - Online & Shop):** A highly regarded natural wine shop that frequently carries Thomas de Marne's Champagnes (e.g., "Goustan"). You can often order online from them if you are in a state they ship to.
    • **Primal Wine (Online, US):** A prominent online retailer for natural and biodynamic wines in the US. They often feature artisanal Champagne producers like Thomas de Marne.
    • *Contact top-tier independent wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago) that specialize in natural wines or small-production Champagne. They are the most likely to carry or be able to source these wines via their importers.*
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Sip Wines Shop (UK Online Retailer):** They have listed Thomas de Marne Champagnes, indicating availability for UK customers.
    • **Highbury Library (UK Retailer/Online):** This shop has stocked Thomas de Marne's "Goustan" and provides good information on the producer.
    • **Decántalo (UK Website):** The UK version of the Spanish online retailer.
    • *Look for independent wine merchants in London and other major UK cities who specialize in grower Champagne and natural wines.*
  • **France:**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** As a small, family-run estate, it may be possible to arrange a visit and purchase directly from the Domaine Thomas de Marne in Ville-sur-Arce (Côte des Bar, Champagne). Contact details might be on their official (or former Val'Frison) website or through their importers.
    • **Specialized Cavistes & Wine Bars:** Look for "cavistes" (wine shops) in Paris and throughout Champagne (especially in the Côte des Bar) that focus on organic, biodynamic, and artisanal Champagnes.
  • **General Tips:**
    • **Limited Production:** As an artisanal grower, production volumes are small, leading to limited availability and rapid sell-outs upon release.
    • **Predecessor Estate:** When searching, also consider "Champagne Val'Frison" or "De Marne Frison," as Thomas is continuing the family work under his own name since 2020.
    • **Brut Nature Focus:** Many of his wines are Brut Nature (zero dosage), appealing to those who prefer bone-dry Champagnes with a pure expression of fruit and terroir.
    • **Organic & Biodynamic:** His commitment to certified organic and biodynamic practices makes his wines a target for shops focusing on sustainable and natural wines.
    • **Côte des Bar:** This sub-region of Champagne is known for its Pinot Noir-dominant vineyards on Kimmeridgian soils, which is characteristic of Thomas de Marne's style.

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemaker:** Thomas de Marne.
**Location:** Ville-sur-Arce, Côte des Bar, Champagne, France.
**Philosophy: Organic (Certified) & Biodynamic Practices:** Inherited the family estate (formerly Champagne Val'Frison), which has been organically farmed since 2003 (certified 2007). Thomas took full control in 2020. Vineyards are on Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils, rich in limestone. In the cellar: Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, often in wood (used Burgundy barrels). Spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Wines are typically unfined, unfiltered, and often produced without dosage (Brut Nature), or with minimal sulfur.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. (The Côte des Bar is known for Pinot Noir).
**Signature Champagnes (Examples):**
  • **"Goustan":** Often a Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir) Brut Nature, reflecting purity and terroir.
  • **"Holistique":** A blend (e.g., 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay) Brut Nature, known for its depth and elegance.
  • **"Lalore":** Often a Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) Brut Nature.
  • **"Cotannes":** Another blend cuvée.
  • **Coteaux Champenois Blanc:** Still white wine from the region.
Wines are classified under the Champagne AOC.
**Production:** Small-scale, artisanal grower Champagne.
**Style:** Authentic, precise, and terroir-driven Champagnes with lively effervescence, delicate aromatics, and a dry, pure finish.