Le Brun Servenay - Avize Grand Cru

Patrick Le Brun is a fastidious producer whose Champagnes are classic examples of Avize terroir. We first came across his wines over lunch with an English Champagne importer at a delightful little restaurant near Le Mesnil - Auberge Saint-Fergeux in Gionges – just up behind Le Mesnil in the hills. Prices for food and wines are very reasonable and we tried the Le Brun Selection and a Launois Cuvée Reserve. We were simply bowled over by the quality of the Le Brun Champagne – equal in quality to the Launois but different in style.

Our English friend made an appointment to visit Le Brun the next day and we visited one week later. This is a very serious grower – Patrick Le Brun is the ex president of the Syndicat General des Vignerons (SGV). This is a position which is elected by the growers. The SGV's main tasks are to defend the appellation, provide technical assistance, set standards policies and procedures and represent the growers at a national and regional level. Needless to say – to be elected to this position you have to be a damn good wine maker and command respect from your peers.

Patrick used to export very little Champagne – most going to direct customers and restaurants. But with sons going thru the Lycee wine school – Patrick realises that he needs to expand his markets and create an ongoing legacy for his next generation. The entire range of Champagne is extra-ordinary.

Founded in 1933, with 8 hectares of vineyards predominantly in Avize with some Cramant and Oger. Malo lactic fermentation is blocked for all cuvees - this helps to add elegance to the richness of Avize Chardonnay.