Veuve Fourny & Fils

Veuve Fourny & Fils is a distinguished family-owned Champagne house nestled in the prestigious Premier Cru village of Vertus in the Côte des Blancs, a region renowned for producing some of the finest Chardonnay grapes in the Champagne appellation of France. The winery has been an integral part of the village's viticulture heritage since it was founded in 1856, and it's currently managed by the fifth generation of the Fourny family—brothers Charles-Henry and Emmanuel Fourny, who took over the reins in 1993.

The winery's Philosophy: Veuve Fourny & Fils prides itself on its commitment to terroir-driven Champagne, emphasizing the unique expression of its vineyards through meticulous viticulture and thoughtful winemaking. The family maintains a deep respect for the land, practicing sustainable farming and adhering to a philosophy that blends traditional methods with modern techniques to ensure the health of their vines and the environment.

Vineyards and Viticulture: The estate owns about 20 hectares of vineyards, mainly situated on the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, ideal for Chardonnay cultivation. The Fourny family carefully tends to their vineyards, which are an average of 40 years old, enabling them to produce grapes with concentrated flavors that reflect the terroir's minerality and finesse. The viticulture practices include limited use of chemicals, cover crops, and rigorous hand-selective harvesting, ensuring that only the best grapes make it to the press.

Winemaking Practices: At Veuve Fourny & Fils, the winemaking process is a blend of tradition and innovation. The winery employs a gentle first press of the grapes to extract the purest juice. Fermentation takes place in small tanks to preserve the distinctiveness of each plot, with some wines also aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth. Malolactic fermentation is often avoided to retain the natural acidity and freshness characteristic of their Champagnes.

The Cellars and the Cuvées: The winery boasts traditional chalk cellars that provide the ideal conditions for aging Champagne. Their portfolio includes a range of exceptional cuvées, from the precise and elegant Blanc de Blancs, made exclusively from Chardonnay, to the structured and expressive Premier Cru Brut, and the exquisite millésime cuvées that showcase the best of the vintage years.

Aesthetic and Experience: Visiting Veuve Fourny & Fils is not only about tasting exquisite Champagnes but also about experiencing the culture and heritage of a family steeped in the tradition of winemaking. The classic yet elegant aesthetic of the winery, with its understated labels and bottles, reflects the artisanal quality of their production. Tastings and tours provide insight into the painstaking process of Champagne creation and the dedication of the Fourny family to excellence.

Sustainability and Innovation: The commitment of Veuve Fourny & Fils to sustainability goes beyond the vineyard. The winery continuously seeks ways to reduce its carbon footprint and employs innovative practices to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of their estate.

In summary, Veuve Fourny & Fils is a beacon of artisanal Champagne production, offering an exquisite portfolio of refined and terroir-driven wines that tell the story of the land and the family's unwavering dedication to quality. A visit to the winery or a tasting of their Champagnes is not just about luxury but a sensory journey into the heart of the Côte des Blancs and the heritage of French winemaking.