May 23rd – Organic viticulture, essential for contributing to protect soil vitality and biodiversity, is at the heart of the In the Name of Mother Nature project launched three years ago by Maison Telmont. This accelerated conversion stands out in the Champagne region, where to date, only 5% of the vineyards are certified organic. It involves the complete cessation of the use of herbicides, synthetic pesticides, synthetic fungicides, or chemical fertilizers in accordance with organic regulation.
For Maison Telmont, this conversion contributes to producing its highest-quality champagne with the greatest respect for the environment. The 64,800 bottles of Réserve de la Terre stand as proof that it is possible to craft one of the best champagnes with no compromise when it comes to sustainability.
Unadorned, with a low dosage (sugar level is 2.5 grams/liter) and focused on the fruit, this extra-brut champagne allows the terroir to express its full strength and character. It reflects the life of our vineyard, the energy of the soil, and the vitality of the terroir. Beyond the classic Champagne codes, the organic grapes translate into a cuvée of solar energy, precision, balance, and complexity. Aged in our cellar for three years, Réserve de la Terre is a blend of three magnificent years (2020 at 70%, 2019 at 15%, and 2018 at 15%) and three perfectly balanced grape varieties (Meunier at 44%, Chardonnay at 34%, and Pinot Noir at 22%). This wine transcends paradoxes, melding the incisive with the gourmand, the sharp with the crisp, the fresh with the ripe.
“This organic cuvée is one of my greatest victories. It’s the fruit of my long-standing commitment to organic viticulture and respect for the terroir and the vines. A manifesto-cuvée, radiant, luminous, and full of life.”
Bertrand Lhôpital, Cellar Master and Grapefather of Maison Telmont
“Champagne Telmont has demonstrated how to reap the legacy of the land in a globally applicable way. It’s taking biodiversity beyond the boardroom.”
Laure Verdeau, Director Agence Bio France
“There will be a before and after Réserve de la Terre. This cuvée is proof by example that it is possible to go further than just respecting biodiversity. We can also combine organic and excellence by doing away with herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and other synthetic fertilizers, In the Name of Mother Nature.”
Ludovic du Plessis, President of Maison Telmont
About Maison Telmont
Founded in 1912, the Telmont Champagne House is located in Damery, near Epernay, France. Created in the wake of champagne riots by Henri Lhôpital, a brave local winegrower, the House remains familial and visionary: Bertrand Lhôpital, Cellar Master and Head of Viticulture of the Telmont House, today represents the fourth generation. The House claims a line of conduct: the wine will be good if the Earth is beautiful. Thus, after earning its first AB (organic agriculture) certification in 2017 for part of its parcels and following the acquisition of a majority stake by the Rémy Cointreau group, Telmont launched a program in 2021: “In the name of Mother Nature”. The aim is to produce a very high-quality champagne while reducing as much as possible its environmental footprint. The actions undertaken concern the conversion under progress to organic viticulture of 100% of its estate and the parcels of its winegrower partners, the preservation of biodiversity and the drastic reduction of its carbon footprint. Initiatives have already been taken and will be expanded: elimination of gift boxes and other unnecessary packaging, reduction of the bottle weight, abandonment of transparent bottles containing non-recycled glass and bottles in special formats, complete stop of air freight for the transport of bottles and use of renewable energy. The company aims to be Climate Positive by 2030 and Net Positive by 2050. The House’s wines are defined by an airy, structured style, between tension and freshness, and by subtle, balanced acidity, which ensures impressive length on the palate. A Telmont champagne is neither too opulent nor too vinous, but structured, accessible and refined. It has a unique presence characterized by its paradox: a structured body and remarkable lightness.
