Jacques Selosse

History

Jacques Selosse, a Champagne producer and grower based in Avize, was founded by Jacques Selosse in the 1950s. The estate began bottling its own Champagne in 1960. Anselme Selosse, the son of Jacques, took over the estate in 1980 after studying oenology in Burgundy. Anselme introduced Burgundian winemaking techniques to Champagne, focusing on terroir and biodynamic principles. He also adopted the solera system from Sherry production, blending wines to maintain balance. Anselme's innovations led to the creation of the Grower Champagne phenomenon and his recognition as the top French winemaker in 1994. Today, the estate is run by Anselme's son Guillaume, who continues the family's legacy of producing high-quality, terroir-driven Champagnes.

Terroir

The terroir of Jacques Selosse is deeply rooted in the Côte des Blancs, where the family has been growing grapes for centuries. Anselme Selosse, the current proprietor, emphasizes the importance of respecting the individuality of each vine, treating them as inhabitants of a village. The vineyards are divided into 47 lieux-dits, each vinified separately to capture the unique characteristics of the terroir. The Selosse family's approach is not bound by any dogma, leaning towards biodynamic practices while also incorporating scientific methods. The wines are made using indigenous yeasts, aged in wooden barrels, and undergo minimal intervention to preserve the terroir's expression. This focus on terroir has made Jacques Selosse one of the most revered producers in Champagne.