Petit Clergeot
Petit Clergeot was born out of a bold, almost counter-cultural decision. In 2017, Paul Clergeot returned to the family estate, which at the time relied solely on selling its grapes, bringing with him clear ideas and a vision that set him apart from the prevailing approach in the region. In 2018, Paul introduced the first production facilities and produced his first vintage. We are in the Côte des Bar, amongst the cold but highly-regarded vineyards of Polisot. Here, Paul places his trust in his vines, some of which are planted on prestigious plots such as Les Commes, nestled amongst the woods at an altitude of 400 metres and once owned by his grandfather, and the famous Montgueux, on chalky and siliceous soils, renowned for its Chardonnays. A total of eight hectares, only two of which are currently under vine: the pace is slow, deliberate, deeply considered.
Peti Clergeot’s approach is that of someone who is in no hurry to arrive, but knows exactly where they are going. The vineyard is managed entirely using biodynamic methods: “it couldn’t be any other way,” says Paul. In the vineyard, the focus is on listening to the soil and respecting natural cycles; in the cellar, each plot is interpreted with artisanal curiosity, giving rise to distinct cuvées such as Les Commes, Chevry and Haut Revers du Chutât, capable of expressing the unique character of each terroir. The vines are also home to pigs and sheep grazing freely, a true ecosystem.
In the glass, Petit Clergeot’s Champagnes reveal the character of an authentic and genuine Aube. Fruit, finesse and the region’s typical chalky notes, with an ever-present mineral tension that speaks directly of the soils of Montgueux. The single-vineyard cuvées display surprising precision and depth, whilst the blends focus on the character of the old vines, tended with respect and patience. A young producer, yet already capable of stirring the emotions.
Petit Clergeot was born out of a bold, almost counter-cultural decision. In 2017, Paul Clergeot returned to the family estate, which at the time relied solely on selling its grapes, bringing with him clear ideas and a vision that set him apart from the prevailing approach in the region. In 2018, Paul introduced the first production facilities and produced his first vintage. We are in the Côte des Bar, amongst the cold but highly-regarded vineyards of Polisot. Here, Paul places his trust in his vines, some of which are planted on prestigious plots such as Les Commes, nestled amongst the woods at an altitude of 400 metres and once owned by his grandfather, and the famous Montgueux, on chalky and siliceous soils, renowned for its Chardonnays. A total of eight hectares, only two of which are currently under vine: the pace is slow, deliberate, deeply considered.
Peti Clergeot’s approach is that of someone who is in no hurry to arrive, but knows exactly where they are going. The vineyard is managed entirely using biodynamic methods: “it couldn’t be any other way,” says Paul. In the vineyard, the focus is on listening to the soil and respecting natural cycles; in the cellar, each plot is interpreted with artisanal curiosity, giving rise to distinct cuvées such as Les Commes, Chevry and Haut Revers du Chutât, capable of expressing the unique character of each terroir. The vines are also home to pigs and sheep grazing freely, a true ecosystem.
In the glass, Petit Clergeot’s Champagnes reveal the character of an authentic and genuine Aube. Fruit, finesse and the region’s typical chalky notes, with an ever-present mineral tension that speaks directly of the soils of Montgueux. The single-vineyard cuvées display surprising precision and depth, whilst the blends focus on the character of the old vines, tended with respect and patience. A young producer, yet already capable of stirring the emotions.
