Alfred Gratien, champagne of long tradition

All you need to know about Maison Alfred Gratien, located in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne in Epernay.

The origins of the house.

Alfred Gratien founded his own Champagne house in Epernay in 1864. That same year, he also invested in the production of sparkling wines in Saumur. Ten years later, he joined forces with Albert jean Meyer, and this agreement - then based in Saumur - became a true partnership for both companies. A fruitful alliance that took them to the top and, in 2000, earned them a takeover by the German group Henkell & Co, Europe's leading sparkling wine group. The latter are determined to preserve the tradition of this “little” Epernay house, which has won over the years with its authenticity and exceptional Champagnes.

A tradition preserved at the heart of the Alfred Gratien approach.

Alfred Gratien has preserved every aspect of the appellation's production traditions. Here, respect for the vine and for each other is paramount. Labeled as a négociant-manipulant, the company owns 1.56 hectares of vines - classified as Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs - and sources the rest from growers. These growers are loyal and have been working with Alfred Gratien for years, sometimes for generations. This solid relationship based on trust is what encourages these winegrowers to entrust their grapes to this “small” house. It earns them an invitation every year to the clear wine tasting, and the certainty that the fruit of their labor will be treated with respect and become a great champagne.

Everyone makes this house their own, especially the cellar master. In the Jaeger family, this position has been handed down from father to son for four generations. From Gaston in 1905 to Nicolas today, they have all participated in building the company and share the same vision of the product. Enhancing the fruit is paramount. The grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted, pressed in the heart of the vineyard, and the entire vinification process is carried out in wood. This last qualitative choice is particularly costly, but it is destined to make the wine longer and warmer. Barrel fermentation is Alfred Gratien's speciality. It's an extra detail that preserves the original character of the grapes and makes the cuvées exceptional. It's a traditional method, but one that has unfortunately been retained by far too few Champagne houses.

The art of orchestrating varieties.

For Alfred Gratien, champagne-making is like haute-couture. Each grape variety is meticulously selected for its diverse qualities. Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims brings vinosity and body, Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne gives off a nutty aroma and optimizes cellar ageing; finally, Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs offers vivacity, citrus and white flowers. Each year, 250,000 bottles - volumes are deliberately limited - full of elegance and freshness, will become the ambassadors of hand-crafted champagne.

The spirit of Alfred Gratien champagne.

Champagne from Alfred Gratien is a champagne with a long tradition, true to itself, far removed from fashion trends and the pressures of mass production. One man is the guarantor of this: Nicolas Jaeger, the Cellar Master. Following in his father's footsteps, and those of his forebears for four generations, he passes on the exceptional uniqueness of Alfred Gratien champagnes. Each year, he ensures the best harvests of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. The traditional, world-renowned oak barrel fermentation process is carried out with uncompromising, meticulous care.

Cuvée Paradis Brut Alfred Gratien

Alfred Gratien's Cuvée Paradis Brut is an exceptional wine made from the finest vintages of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This champagne is the expression of all the expertise of Alfred Gratien's Chef de Caves. At first glance, the wine has a brilliant, golden color and persistent, pearly bubbles. On the nose, the bouquet reveals a lovely blend of honey, hazelnut and white fruit notes. On the palate, Cuvée Paradis Brut is full-bodied, with complex flavors of white fruit and gingerbread lingering on the finish. Cuvée Paradis Brut is a singular champagne that is both rich and very fine.

Blanc de Blancs Alfred Gratien

Blanc de Blancs d'Alfred Gratien is a singular 100% Chardonnay cuvée representing all the nobility and typicity of Alfred Gratien Champagnes. At first glance, this champagne has a clear golden color and a delicately fine, persistent mousse. The nose is lively and structured, with notes of brioche vanilla evolving into sparkling citrus aromas. The palate is lively and fresh, recalling the initial citrus fragrances. The body is sustained by charming notes of brioche and buttered bread. Alfred Gratien's Blanc de Blancs is a delightful wine that will delight Champagne lovers with its complexity and elegance.

Brut Millesimé Alfred Gratien

Alfred Gratien's Cuvée Brut Millésimé has a brilliant golden color and a fine, persistent mousse. On the nose, this champagne reveals intense fruity aromas, accompanied by brioche notes and hints of almond and hazelnut, evolving towards notes of red plums. On the palate, the wine has a fresh attack reminiscent of autumn fruits and mirabelle plums. Perfectly balanced on the palate, this Brut Millésime d'Alfred Gratien is an eternal great vintage.

Brut Nature - Alfred Gratien 

Cuvée Brut Nature is a great classic from the Alfred Gratien champagne house. The refined blend is dominated by the fruitiness of Pinot Meunier combined with the elegance of Chardonnay. This cuvée has a beautiful, light golden color, with persistent, highly pearlescent bubbles. The nose is beautifully fruity, emerging on citrus notes, evolving on aromas of fresh mango, peach and apricot. On the palate, Alfred Gratien Brut Nature presents a fine balance between aromatic power and the freshness of exotic fruit.

Brut Rosé Alfred Gratien

Cuvée Brut Rosé is crafted in the spirit of rigor that characterizes the house, while expressing the character of Alfred Gratien. This wine is a refined blend of elegant Chardonnay and fruity Pinot Meunier. Its pale pink color is enhanced by light coppery highlights, with a very fine, persistent mousse. Chardonnay aromas combine subtly with the fruity bouquet of Pinot Meunier. Perfectly balanced on the palate, this Brut Rosé d'Alfred Gratien is a high-quality champagne, refined, tasty and long on the palate.

Great vintages of Alfred Gratien champagnes:

1937-1943-1945-1947-1953-1959-1962-1969-1970-1975-1978-1979-1982-1983-1985-1988-1989-1990-1996-1998-2002-2008 -2012-2015-2016-2018-2019-2022