Jerome PrevostChampagne, France

Jerome Prévost is a name that resonates deeply with those who appreciate grower Champagnes of unparalleled individuality. Based in the small village of Gueux in the Montagne de Reims, Prévost produces Champagne that reflects his intimate understanding of terroir and his steadfast dedication to authenticity. Working with minimal intervention, his wines are a striking example of how a single grape variety and vineyard can create something extraordinary.

Prévost’s journey began in 1987 when he inherited 2.2 hectares of vines from his grandmother. Rather than selling his fruit to the local cooperative, he chose to vinify his own wine—a bold move that set him apart. His vines, predominantly Pinot Meunier, grow on sandy, silty soils underpinned by limestone, which imbue the wines with finesse and structure. Over the years, Prévost honed his craft with guidance from iconic Champagne producer Anselme Selosse, whose influence encouraged Prévost to embrace a non-interventionist philosophy.

In 1998, Prévost released his first wine under the label La Closerie, marking the beginning of his reputation as a master of terroir-driven Champagne. His approach is meticulous: grapes are hand-harvested, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged in neutral oak barrels. This hands-off method ensures that the wine remains a pure expression of its origin.

La Closerie Les Béguines: A Singular Expression of Pinot Meunier

La Closerie Les Béguines, Prévost’s flagship wine, is a revelation. Made exclusively from Pinot Meunier, a grape often relegated to blending in Champagne, it defies expectations by showcasing the variety’s capacity for complexity and elegance. The wine comes from a single vineyard of the same name, planted with old vines that produce low yields but exceptional fruit.

Les Béguines is vinified with a laser focus on transparency. Fermented naturally and aged on its lees in oak barrels, the wine undergoes minimal sulphur additions to preserve its purity. The result is a Champagne with remarkable depth and texture, offering layers of stone fruit, citrus, almond, and saline minerality. Its signature freshness and tension make it a favourite among collectors and sommeliers.

Each release of Les Béguines reflects the nuances of the vintage, as Prévost bottles without blending across years. This commitment to vintage integrity ensures that every bottle tells a unique story of the vineyard’s interaction with the growing season. The wine’s natural effervescence adds a fine, persistent mousse, balancing its complexity with vibrancy.

Jerome Prévost’s work at La Closerie demonstrates how a small-scale, focused approach can yield wines of extraordinary character. With Les Béguines, he has redefined Pinot Meunier’s place in Champagne, proving that this often-overlooked grape can shine with singular brilliance. His Champagnes are not just wines; they are profound expressions of terroir, craftsmanship, and passion.