Why We Chose Our First Champagne Producer

One question people often ask is how we choose producers.

The answer surprises them as it's rarely just about the wine.

Of course, the wines have to be exceptional, but we're also looking for people. 

People whose philosophy matches ours and can imagine working alongside for the next ten years.

That's exactly what we found with Sophie and Franck at Domaine Méa.

Based in the Grand Cru village of Louvois, they've taken over the family estate from Sophie's parents and are quietly transforming it.

Their vineyards span both Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites, with a strong focus on Pinot Noir, although we also loved their Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay.

The wines had everything we were looking for.
Precision, freshness and balance.

But it was the people who really stood out - they were warm, passionate and incredibly generous with their time.

We talked about farming, blending, the challenges of climate change and what the future of Champagne might look like.

It felt less like a business meeting and more like the start of a long-term relationship.

That matters.

Every producer we add to the Vintrepid portfolio becomes part of our story and these aren't short-term decisions.

When we commit to working with someone, we're hoping that relationship lasts for many years. I think their entry-level cuvée, L'Assemblage, will become a fantastic restaurant Champagne.

It delivers outstanding quality without losing the personality that makes Grower Champagne so exciting.

Their rosé was probably my favourite rosé Champagne of the trip.

Their Blanc de Blancs was elegant and beautifully balanced.

And across the range there was a consistency that gave us real confidence.

Of course, choosing one producer doesn't mean there weren't others we'd love to work with. One of the hardest parts of the trip was walking away from outstanding wineries simply because we can't import everyone at once.

La Borderie was one of those.

Their wines left a huge impression on us, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together in the future.

Building a portfolio takes patience, one producer and an ongoing relationship.

One shipment at a time.

I'm incredibly excited that Domaine Méa will become Vintrepid's first Champagne producer. I think our restaurant customers will love the wines and I can't wait to share them with Club Vintrepid members as well.