Meet Vincent Couche, the pioneering producer from the Côte des Bar region in the South of Champagne, France. While the big names may dominate the North, Couche's wines are a testament to the incredible quality and unique character of this lesser-known area.
Just two hours south from the bustling town of Epernay, and only one hour from the renowned Chablis, lies the enchanting Côte des Bar. Here, fortune favors the brave, and Couche is certainly not afraid to take risks. His wines are a true reflection of his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft.
Vincent Couche is a true artisan, carrying on the legacy of his mother who instilled in him a deep love and understanding of the vineyard. He meticulously tends to his 13 hectares of land, farming biodynamically in two distinct terroirs: Buxeuil and Montgueux.
In Buxeuil, where his cellar is located, Couche's 10 hectares are mostly planted with Pinot Noir on steep slopes overlooking the Seine river. The soils here are a mix of limestone-clay and marl-clay, each parcel carefully managed to encourage healthy competition between the vines. This results in berries with exceptional maturity and flavor profiles.
His second terroir is in Montgueux, known as the Chardonnay kingdom. Here, on 3 hectares of land, Couche cultivates Chardonnay on ancient chalk soils dating back to the Cretaceous period. It is clear that Couche has a deep understanding of his land, nurturing each vine with precision and care.
For Couche, biodynamic farming is not just a trend, but a way of life. He uses only biodynamic treatments, including medicinal plant treatments, cow-horn manure, and natural compost, to provide the energy his vines need. The result is wines that truly express the rich complexity of his land.
Harvest is strictly by hand, with only the ripest and healthiest berries making their way to the cellar. Here, Couche uses only natural yeasts for fermentation, followed by vinification with minimal or no sulphites and aging in partial or full barrels.
Vincent Couche is a true master of his craft, and his wines are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. Once you experience the unique and captivating wines of Côte des Bar, there's no going back. And with Couche leading the way, the future of this region's wines is looking brighter than ever.
