Roger Constant Lemaire
(Winery in Champagne)
Reviews
Brilliant experience!
I cannot think of anything to improve. We didn’t see a nibbles menu but that would be really nice to have (sorry if we missed this)
Karen
Book an Experience
1 Hour 30 Minutes
Participants: Minimum 1, Maximum 50
1 Hour
Participants: Minimum 1, Maximum 50
About Winery and Wines
The Lemaire family's journey into winemaking began in the late 19th century in Hautvilliers, the birthplace of Champagne. It was here that Désiré Lemaire, a gardener and poet, purchased the vineyards that would lay the foundation for what is now the Roger Constant Lemaire estate. The family tradition of producing exceptional Champagne was truly realized by Désiré’s grandson, Roger Constant Lemaire, who doubled the size of the estate and established the family home and headquarters in Villers-sous-Châtillon in 1945. Today, the legacy continues through his daughter Brigitte, her husband Gilles Tournant, and their sons Sébastien and Guillaume, who have embraced modern, ecologically friendly techniques to uphold the family’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
From its modest 12 hectares, this family-run estate now exports its Champagne worldwide under the name Roger Constant Lemaire. The Lemaire family is deeply committed to ecological viticulture, using only natural marine algae to protect their vines. They meticulously select and harvest grapes by hand, and only the first press is used in production to ensure the highest quality. By avoiding malolactic fermentation, they preserve the Champagne's natural acidity, resulting in a product with inherent sweetness that requires only minimal cane sugar addition. This dedication to tradition and innovation makes Roger Constant Lemaire Champagne a true testament to the family's enduring passion for excellence.
Roger Constant Lemaire Champagne is renowned for its exceptional quality, coming from one of the most celebrated regions in Champagne. What sets these champagnes apart is the family's commitment to preserving natural acidity by not using the malolactic fermentation process, a rarity among champagne producers. Each bottle is aged for 4 to 6 years, with vintage champagnes maturing in oak barrels and non-vintage varieties in stainless steel. This careful aging process ensures the champagnes develop a depth of flavor while maintaining a low sugar content, with only 6g/l of cane sugar added.
The estate’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in their integrated viticulture practices, which exclude chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and acaricides. Instead, they use organic algae from Norway to fertilize the vineyards. Roger Constant Lemaire's champagnes are crafted without fining or forced filtration, preserving their natural flavors and ensuring an authentic tasting experience. Notably, their Rosé is a Rosé de Saignée, made by maceration with the grape skins, a unique method that adds to its distinctive character. Roger Constant Lemaire offers an artisan champagne experience like no other, blending tradition with innovation to create wines that are both refined and sustainable.