Champagne Benoît Lahaye
Champagne Benoît Lahaye is among the most watched natural wine-oriented growers in Champagne. His estate is located in Bouzy, a Grand-Cru village in the Montagne de Reims, and stands for uncompromisingly natural, Pinot-Noir-driven champagne.
Vineyard & Style
Lahaye has been bottling his own champagnes since 1996, certified organic since 2007 and biodynamic since 2010 (Biodyvin). On around five hectares, mainly in Bouzy, plus plots in Ambonnay and Tauxières, about 90% Pinot-Noir vines are planted. Lahaye is one of the few growers who plow with horses. In the cellar, he ferments mainly in 225-liter barrels with indigenous yeasts, without chaptalization, with complete malolactic fermentation, yet the wines appear neither oxidative nor overtly woody.
The Cuvées
The centerpiece is the Bouzy Grand Cru, mostly as Brut Nature, which shows the depth of Bouzy Pinot Noir, complemented by single-vineyard and vintage cuvées as well as a Rosé.
Facts
| Category | RM (Récoltant-Manipulant) |
| Location | Bouzy, Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims |
| Vineyard area | approx. 5 ha, ~90% Pinot Noir |
| Viticulture | organic (2007), biodynamic/Biodyvin (2010), horse work |
| Style | natural approach, barrel fermentation, often Brut Nature |
Informative house portrait based on public sources. A personal tasting will follow.