Eric Rodez - Ambonnay

Eric Rodez is the eighth generation of family growing grapes in the prestigious pinot noir producing Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. He is a true artisan of his trade who is focused on the art of terroir, old vines, oak integration and control of malo-lactic fermentation. Subtle use of small Burgundian oak and control of malolactic fermentation allows Eric to create a brilliant range of terroir driven Champagnes.

His 6 ha property is divided into 35 plots of only Grand Cru vines split roughly 55/45 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Farming is ecologically sympathetic and organic friendly farming is always preferred. He worked in Burgundy (Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils), Beaujolais and the Rhone for three years during his youth, and also worked for a year at Krug. Burgundy taught him much about oak fermentation and maturation and his work with Henri Krug re-enforced his ideas even further. Now 80% of Eric’s wines are matured in some sort of oak for various periods. Dosages are light – between 5-8gm/litre - and he uses RCGM not sugar. He does not use any fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. And yes, like all villages in France, some one as to be the mayor of Ambonnay! His duties as mayor means that he is a very busy vigneron and not easy to pin down for a tasting appointment. Also FYI the ‘z’ in Rodez IS pronounced, it is NOT silent.

Eric’s Champagnes are always fully reserved and sold out – his wines are extremely popular and searched by fine wine aficionados. He is a master – just by talking to him and tasting thru the range, you get a real sense for the passion, devotion and technical precision that Eric uses to create superb Champagne. Every cuvée is a stand out. Every cuvée is a majestic ‘symphony’. Along with his superb selection of complex blended non-vintage wines, Eric produces a masterly vintage wine and an upper echelon range which he calls “Empreinte de Terroir”. These are vintage single varietal single vineyard wines of extra-ordinary complexity and finesse - rare and expensive.