Marc Hebrart - Mareuil-sur-Ay

Jean-Paul runs this property and is one of the super growers in this very much under-rated village. Mareuil-sur-Ay is rated at 99% so is technically a 1er Cru, even though it is right next door to Ay and there are many experts who believe it deserves true 100% Grand Cru status. It is home to Billecart-Salmon and the also the famous Philipponnat "Clos des Goisses” vineyard at the extreme eastern end. The style here is similar to Ay but with maybe a little more minerality and finesse. Also Jean-Paul has some great Chardonnay in Chouilly and Oiry with a very high average vine age. Quality is at a very high level, to the extent that Jean-Paul supplies some grapes to Bollinger. Annual production from 13.5 ha of vines is 90,000 bottles.

As luck should have it, Jean-Paul is married to Isabelle Diebolt – daughter of Jacques Diebolt from Cramant. The vineyards are spread across Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay, Avenay Val d'Or, Bisseuil and also some prestigious Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in Chouilly and Oiry on the other side of the Marne. Dosages are low and the terroir is allowed to shine. Jean-Paul is a sensitive and gentle person who always finds the time to look after his many passing customers, especially since the cuverie is directly on the main corner leading across the Marne river! He is also a member of the ‘Club de Tresors’ and produces a sensational ‘Special Club’ Cuvée. Other cuvées are a Prestige and a Rosé. Only a small quantity of Jean-Paul’s Champagnes get to the export market – the remainder gets consumed by the French! Jean-Paul took over the running of the estate in 1983 at the age of 19. Jean-Paul is also developing a new cuvée – a small barrel matured blend of Ay Pinot and Chouilly Chardonnay. Available at the end of 2010 - called 'Rive Gauche - Rive Droit'.