One of the vineyards of Champagne Sylvie Moreau. Photo courtesy of Champagne Sylvie Moreau.

A half century ago, the origins of Champagne Sylvie Moreau began when Sylvie Moreau’s parents, Micheline and André Moreau planted grapes in the town of Saint Euphraise et Clairizet. In 1973, André sold the first bottle of champagne under the label of Champagne André Moreau. They continued to craft champagnes until the 1990’s when they decided to retire. It was natural for their daughter Sylvie to take over the champagne house. Today the champagne house is operated by Sylvie Moreau and her husband Olivier, the winemaker. The label was changed to Champagne Sylvie Moreau.

Total vineyard land comprises of three hectares (7.4 acres) in different areas ((Petite

Montagne de Reims, Vallée de l’Ardre and Vallée de la Marne) that showcase Pinot Munier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Olivier pouring champagne at the APVSA tasting in Washington DC, January 2019.

At the APVSA tasting in Washington DC, I had the opportunity to speak with Olivier. I asked him when he first became aware of his interest in wine. Oliver replied, “When I was ten years old, I use to play in the vineyards. I began to help my father with harvests. I have now worked on 38 harvests.”

When asked what he knows now that he wish he knew when he began crafting champagnes, Oliver responded, “The vineyard is always changing each year. I had to become flexible and mold myself to what the vineyard offered.”

Champagnes

Racines – Brut Tradition was a blend of Pinot Munier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with reserved wine. The yellow with gold hue colored wine had multiple columns of tiny bubbles forming a mousse around the circumference of the surface. The aroma and taste offered red berry fruits. The taste was delicious with a creamy mouthfeel that yielded to liveliness.  The finish was crispy and fruity.

L’Émeraude is an equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The yellow colored champagne had multiple columns of tiny bubbles forming a circumferential mousse. I noticed floral notes along with apple, red berry fruit and freshly baked bread. The mouthfeel was creamy and lively. The fruity finish also had hints of freshly baked bread.

Carré Or – Brut Réserve is a blend of Pinot Munier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with reserved wine. The wine was cellared between 7 and 10 years. It is like the first wine tasted but with longer aging. Multiple columns of tiny bubbles formed a central mousse on the surface of this yellow colored champagne. Red berry fruits and freshly baked bread were predominant along with a creamy and lively mouthfeel.

Incarnat – Brut Rosé had a salmon with red hue color. Multiple columns of tiny bubbles formed a mousse at both the center and circumference of the surface. Red berry fruits and freshly baked bread were noticed on the aroma and taste. The champagne had a lively mouthfeel and a long aftertaste. This champagne would pair nicely with Valentine’s Day.

Champagne Sylvie Moreau is looking for distributors in the United States. The champagne house sent us a few photos of their vineyard and winery. 

Winter at a Sylvie Moreau vineyard. Photo courtesy of Champagne Sylvie Moreau.

Harvest Photo courtesy of Champagne Sylvie Moreau.

Winemaking Photo courtesy of Champagne Sylvie Moreau.

Cheers,
Terry