The Estate

The Aubry family has grown vines in Champagne since 1790, with the estate based in Jouy-lès-Reims, located in the heart of the Petite Montagne de Reims appellation in the northern part of Champagne. Pierre, an oenologist, and Philippe, a biologist, are the current proprietors of this family-run estate, and in 1986 they decided to create a special cuvée to celebrate, in 1991, the bicentennial of the house. They then thought of reproducing the characters of champagne in the 18th century. Immersed in old manuals and treatises, they quickly saw the limits of their project if they did not have the basics, in other words, all the noble grape varieties grown at the time: Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Fromenteau (Pinot Gris) and Enfumé (a variant of Pinot Gris). These vinestocks were endangered, but finally in 1989 after a thorough search for these old varieties, they found and replanted them, blending these four grapes with Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay to create the Le Nombre d’Or cuvee, a Champagne that combines the classic with the original.

The wines produced here are powerful, full-bodied, and always with low dosage. They have good weight and length, typically demonstrate fine brioche notes with some bottle age, and pair very well with food.

Viticulture and Vinification

The yield is low, and only “coeur de cuvée” is used for the vintage wines. The grapes are divided into five classes according to their quality, and a considerable amount is vinified in old, traditional 205-litre oak barrels.

Wines Produced

Brut Premier Cru

Rose Brut Premier Cru

Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru

Le Nombre d’Or

A blend of all the historical grape varieties of Champagne.

Aubry de Humbret 

Aged for at least five years on lees.

Le Nombre d’Or Sable Blanc de Blancs

A blend of the four true white grape varieties of the Champagne region: the Arbanne, a nervous and aromatic wine, the generous Petit Meslier, full of freshness and very fruity, the elegant and fine Chardonnay with great aromatic power, and the exotic Pinot Blanc. The sablé version of this wine is bottled with lower pressure.

Critical Praise

“Aubry is a reference point in Champagne. The wines aren’t as showy or trendy as many others today, while the Aubry brothers seem pretty content to keep a low profile. No matter. Every thing you need to know is in the bottle. For readers who want to explore the best in understatement, class and finesse, Aubry is a great place to start.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country:  France

Region:  Champagne 

Appellation:  Petite Montagne de Reims

Founded:  1790

Annual Production: 10,000 cases

Farming: Practicing Organic