Champagne Philippe Fontaine Brut Millésime 2018

Located in Balnot-sur-Laignes in the Côte des Bar region, Champagne Philippe Fontaine is above all about a history of family and tradition. The Fontaine family has indeed been cultivating their land for centuries. Nowadays, Philippe, his daughter Salomé, and her husband Louis-Antoine run the estate. Most of the vineyards are located in the prestigious Les Riceys part of the region. The vineyards are comprised of 80% Pinot Noir and the other 20% is a mix of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. All of Philippe Fontaine Champagnes are handcrafted at the estate, small production, sustainably farmed, and represent a tremendous value in the Grower Champagne category. 

The origin of the Egyptian beetle on Salome Fontaine’s bottles comes from when her father started his estate and began bottling his own wines. Indeed, Salome’s father was first farming vines and wheat and sold his produce to the local co-ops. His parents were making their own Champagne, however; and being the third child, Philippe Fontaine had to go at it alone and create his own Champagne.

When the time came to finally create his label, Philippe asked his mother for insight. She and her sister, who are very fond of Pharaonic Egyptian culture, suggested the scarab beetle, a symbol of good luck which represents rebirth, renewal, continuous change, and evolution; just like Philippe experienced himself by making his own way and his own wines. That beetle remains today on all of Salome’s cuvees as a constant reminder of her father’s journey, his perseverance, ingenuity, and love for the terroir.