Allouchery-Deguerne

Allouchery-Deguerne

I've tasted 3 champagnes from Allouchery-Deguerne -- a house that combines an unusual range of terroirs through its Premier Cru location on the Montagne de Reims and access to plots in the Aube. The combination of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier is executed here with a style that focuses on precision and clarity.

Terroir and Location

The Montagne de Reims provides the backbone: powerful Pinot Noir and structured base wines. Added to this are Premier Cru sites that give the champagnes additional depth and complexity. The Aube brings another dimension -- warmer, riper fruit and a certain juiciness. The fact that the house uses both regions shows in the multi-layered style of the cuvées.

Philosophy and Style

Allouchery-Deguerne makes champagnes that are honest. No tricks, no over-production. What lands in the glass reflects the vineyard. The dosage is consistently low, the use of wood restrained. This is about the wine, not the frills. I particularly like the house's ability to extract character even from simpler cuvées.

The Range

Three cuvées -- Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and a vintage champagne. A manageable but well-thought-out portfolio that shows different facets of the house.

The Cuvées in Detail

Blanc de Noirs

Ripe red fruits like crisp cherries and wild raspberries on the nose, underpinned by fine spice. Full-bodied and structured on the palate, yet wonderfully fresh with nice grip. This is a Blanc de Noirs that lives up to its name -- the power of Pinot Noir is present, but never becomes heavy or clumsy. Excellent with duck breast or a strong cheese.

Compared to the Blanc de Blancs, this shows a completely different side of the house: where Chardonnay brings elegance and finesse, Pinot Noir delivers power and structure.

Type: Blanc de Noirs | Grape varieties: Pinot Noir

Sélection

Yellow apple, pear and a hint of citrus peel on the nose -- inviting and clear. Then taut and dry on the palate with fine spice, very clean acidity and a clear line without any sweetness. As a 2023 vintage, this champagne shows that even young wines can have character. The three grape varieties play together harmoniously here and result in a versatile food companion.

My tip: Perfect with grilled fish with lemon or a fresh salad with goat cheese.

Type: Millésimé | Vintage: 2023 | Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Blanc de Blancs

Surprisingly dense and creamy for a Blanc de Blancs -- especially with only 4g dosage. Instead of the expected cool citrus-chalk precision, this Chardonnay shows bright fruits, fine spice and a quiet depth. Accessible, but not simple. A champagne that shows that Blanc de Blancs doesn't always have to be austere and mineral.

The 2023 vintage brings a nice freshness that balances the creaminess. For me, this is the most versatile champagne in the range -- works as an aperitif just as well as with light appetizers.

Type: Blanc de Blancs | Vintage: 2023 | Grape varieties: Chardonnay

What Makes Allouchery-Deguerne Special?

This house's strength lies in consistency. All three cuvées show the same care and precision, whether Blanc de Noirs or Blanc de Blancs. Add to this excellent value for money, which you don't always find with Premier Cru champagnes. Anyone looking for solid, honest grower champagnes will find what they're looking for here.

My tip: For getting started, take the Blanc de Blancs -- it best shows how this house operates.

My Tastings

Conclusion