In the quiet village of Rilly-la-Montagne, nestled between forested hills and sweeping vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, lies one of Champagne’s most respected – yet quietly confident – producers: Champagne Vilmart & Cie.
For five generations, since 1890, this family-run house has been refining the art of creating elegant, complex and uncompromising Champagne – always with both feet firmly planted in the soil.
For those who appreciate wines with authenticity, history and a strong sense of place, Vilmart is a name worth remembering – or better yet, a bottle worth commemorating in your Corkframe.
A Family Affair with a Personal Touch
Since 1989, Laurent Champs, fifth-generation winemaker, has been at the helm. But he hasn't merely inherited a tradition – he's elevated it. Under his stewardship, Vilmart has gained a near-cult status among Champagne lovers and is widely recognized as one of the region's most accomplished grower-producers – meaning they grow their own grapes and make their own wines, with full control and deep-rooted passion.
With just 11 hectares of vineyards, every vine is cared for with meticulous attention. The estate practices sustainable viticulture with zero chemical herbicides or pesticides – a commitment not just to quality, but to the land itself.
“We don’t try to make something everyone likes. We make what we love – and hope our customers love it too,” Laurent Champs has said in interviews.
The Style: Champagne with a Burgundy Soul
What truly sets Vilmart apart is its winemaking style. None of the champagnes undergo malolactic fermentation – preserving a fresh, vibrant acidity – and all wines are vinified and aged in oak barrels, often old Burgundy casks. The result? Champagne with structure, depth and texture. These are wines that tell a story – of the land, the craft, and the people behind it.
The flagship “Coeur de Cuvée”, made from the best grapes from old vines in Premier Cru vineyards, is a masterclass in balance and elegance – with notes of white fruit, brioche, mineral complexity and a long, vibrant finish.
No Grand Cru? No Problem.
Though Vilmart doesn’t own any Grand Cru vineyards (all are Premier Cru), the house regularly outshines even the most prestigious names in blind tastings. Critics like Antonio Galloni and Richard Juhlin have repeatedly named Vilmart among the top Champagne producers, period – regardless of classification.
A reminder that it’s not just about the label – it’s about the land, the labor, and the love behind every bottle.
Visiting Vilmart – and What to Taste
If you ever find yourself in Champagne, a visit to Vilmart in Rilly-la-Montagne is well worth the stop. It’s a far cry from the grand, commercial cellars of the big houses – here, you meet the people who actually work the vines and craft the wines.
Three cuvées to look out for:
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Grande Réserve – A serious but approachable blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A perfect introduction to the Vilmart style.
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Grand Cellier – Crisp, citrus-driven and refined. A real sleeper hit among sommeliers.
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Coeur de Cuvée – The flagship. Rich, creamy, and complex – a Champagne to age, or enjoy at a special celebration.
Champagne That Tells a Story
In a region sometimes dominated by flashy branding and mass production, Vilmart stands out as something refreshingly real. It’s Champagne made with soul – by people who truly live their craft.
And for those who collect wine memories in a Corkframe: a cork from Vilmart doesn’t just mark a great bottle – it marks a moment, a place, and a philosophy worth celebrating.
Champagne Vilmart & Cie
5 Rue des Gravières,
51500 Rilly-la-Montagne, France
🌐 www.champagnevilmart.fr
