Champagne Joffrey

Côte des Bar, Champagne, France

In the sleepy village of Les Riceys, tucked into the limestone folds of Champagne’s southern Côte des Bar, something quietly extraordinary has been happening for over three centuries. Since 1675, the Josselin family has been tending vines, crafting bubbles, and passing down their know-how like heirloom recipes. Today, Joffrey Josselin—the 14th generation—is at the helm, working alongside his father to preserve their family’s legacy while nudging it into the future.

With 14 hectares of vineyards under their care, Champagne Joffrey focuses on the classic trio of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Their wines are a blend of heritage and hands-on precision, showing just how far patience, place, and hard work can go.

Farming & Viticulture: Less Spray, More Soil Love

Although the estate may not have an organic certification, they take sustainability seriously. Their philosophy? Work with nature, not against it.

• Biodiversity: Every other vine row is left grassed to let wild plants and insects thrive. It’s good for the soil, good for the grapes—and great for future vintages.
• Minimal Chemicals: If treatments are needed, only organically certified products are allowed. No synthetic shortcuts here.
• Hand Work, Always: From pruning to harvest, everything is done manually. That’s 14 hectares of pure elbow grease.
• Terroir Talks: The Côte des Bar is known for its Kimmeridgian limestone—the same fossil-rich soils found in Chablis. Cool climates and great drainage make it a Pinot Noir paradise.

The result? Healthy vines, expressive fruit, and a vineyard that’s alive in more ways than one.

How They Make the Magic: The Joffrey Method

Champagne Joffrey doesn’t just grow grapes—they choreograph them through a meticulous, hands-on process that blends old-school craft with modern savvy.

• Harvest: Hand-picked at peak ripeness to preserve aromatics and freshness.
• Pressing: Gentle pressure separates the delicate cuvée juice from the heavier taille.
• Fermentation: Mostly in stainless steel, though some cuvées might see oak, depending on the winemaker’s vision.
• Blending: Where intuition meets tradition. Vintage bottlings highlight the year’s character, while non-vintage blends carry the house style.
• Méthode Champenoise: Bubbles are born in the bottle, the classic way.
• Aging: They don’t rush. Wines rest on their lees well beyond legal minimums, adding texture, richness, and finesse.

Awards & Acclaim: The Quiet Star of Côte des Bar

Champagne Joffrey might not be a household name—yet—but among wine insiders and savvy importers, it's widely considered a hidden gem.

• The 2016 Vintage Brut has earned kudos for its elegance, floral lift, and crisp mineral finish. Think spring flowers, citrus zest, and chalky finesse in every sip.
• Retailers and distributors across Europe highlight its balance, food-friendliness, and family-first ethos.
• Sommeliers and collectors are starting to take note, especially those looking for grower champagnes with authenticity, personality, and a sustainable edge.

As the Champagne world shifts from mass-market fizz to grower-led, eco-conscious craftsmanship, Champagne Joffrey is perfectly positioned: small-scale, soil-connected, and utterly sincere.