In the quaint village of Fleury-la-Rivière, nestled in the sun-drenched slopes of the Vallée de la Marne, lies one of Champagne’s hidden gems: Champagne Demière.
A small, family-run producer where every bottle tells the story of heritage, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted love for the land.
A History Rooted in the Soil
The Demière family has been cultivating vines since the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that they began bottling champagne under their own name. Today, the house is run by Jean-Philippe and Nathalie Demière, alongside their daughter Pauline, who is gradually stepping into the next generation's role.
This is no mass-production winery. Champagne Demière is proudly récoltant-manipulant – meaning they grow, harvest, and produce everything themselves. The family farms about 10 hectares of vineyards, with a strong focus on Pinot Meunier, complemented by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
From the Marne Valley – With Character and Chalk
Located in the Vallée de la Marne, Demière’s terroir plays a key role in their champagne style. The region is known for its chalky soils and slightly warmer microclimate, which help to create fruit-forward, round, and expressive champagnes.
Fleury-la-Rivière itself is geologically unique – ancient marine fossils are still found in its subsoil, adding even more nuance to the mineral-rich wines. There’s something almost mystical about this place, and you can taste it in every glass.
Champagne with Soul and Patience
What sets Champagne Demière apart isn’t just the land – it’s their philosophy. This is champagne that’s allowed to rest, to mature, to become something extraordinary. Several of their cuvées spend 5 to 10 years on the lees, far beyond the legal minimum of 15 months. The result? Refined depth, silky mousse, and incredible complexity.
Some standout bottles include:
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Cuvée Sélection – a fresh and balanced brut, perfect as an apéritif.
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Cuvée Excellence – richer, aged in oak barrels, with notes of dried fruit and spice.
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Rosé de Saignée – made using the traditional saignée method, with bold color and intense red berry aromas.
The family has also begun transitioning to more sustainable and organic practices, ensuring that their legacy continues with respect for the environment and future generations.
More Than Champagne – A Memory in a Bottle
Opening a bottle from Champagne Demière is like being welcomed into the family. These are wines with soul – never industrial, never impersonal. Just honest craftsmanship, patience, and pride in every drop.
Corkframes Tip:
Got a bottle of Champagne Demière at home? Don’t throw away the cork. Let that memory live on in your Corkframe – whether it’s from a trip to Champagne, a New Year’s Eve toast, or a quiet celebration on the balcony.
Read more wine stories and travel inspiration at Corkframes.com
