Roger CoulonProducer from Champagne, France

Roger Coulon is a hidden gem in Champagne, producing pure wines from the Premier Cru village of Vrigny. For eight generations, starting in 1806, the Coulon family has carefully tended their vines. They blend traditional skills with new techniques to create champagnes of exceptional quality and complexity.

Master of wine, Tamlyn Currin of JanncisRobinson.com recently wrote that “one of the most electrifying discoveries for me was Champagne Roger Coulon. The very first taste of the first wine on the table set my spine tingling. These are exhilarating, idiosyncratic wines.”

Today, Eric and Isabelle Coulon, the 8th generation, continue this legacy, drawing attention to their 11 hectares of vineyards scattered across premier cru areas like Vrigny, Coulommes la Montagne, Pargny les Reims, and Villers Allerand. The varied clay and limestone soils aid in growing Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, allowing Roger Coulon to achieve its hallmark depth and richness.

"Readers will find vivid, textured Champagnes that capture the essence of variety, site, and where applicable, vintage. I can’t recommend these Champagnes highly enough” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Organic viticulture at Roger Coulon:

Roger Coulon's estate has embraced organic viticulture since 2019, setting a pioneering standard with its adoption of agroforestry practices — an audacious move that's rare in the winemaking world. Beyond organic, their innovative approach includes maintaining year-round ground cover, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for their vines. In winter, grazing sheep naturally tend the vineyards, an eco-friendly strategy that contributes to soil health and vine vigour. This holistic commitment to organic farming and agroforestry underlines Coulon's dedication to sustainability and the creation of exceptional terroir-driven Champagnes.

Winemaking at Roger Coulon:

Influenced by traditional methods and the practices of his brother-in-law Francis Egly, Roger Coulon Champagne matures some of its cuvées in oak barrels, introducing a small portion of new oak to craft Champagnes with a subtle effervescence that differs from the more vigorous conventional carbonation.

Eric Coulon's approach includes avoiding chaptalization to keep the alcohol content moderate, ensuring a harmonious balance as he believes Champagnes over 12% alcohol can lose their finesse. He aims for softer carbonation, closer to his grandfather's techniques than his father's, reflecting a blend of historic Champagne-making traditions with modern adjustments, particularly in dosage levels. 

With spontaneous fermentation, wines are left unfiltered and unfined, with minimal additions, capping dosage at no more than 3 g/l, enhancing the wines' layered texture. They opt for a slightly lower carbonation pressure, around 4.5–4.8 bar, compared to the standard 5 bar. Eric Coulon favours late harvesting, ensuring grapes achieve full physiological maturity.

These Champagnes stand out for their vinous qualities and unique texture, largely attributable to the Meunier grape variety grown in sandy soils.

“These are vinous, intensely flavored Champagnes of considerable character, lent a particular texture and grain by their emphasis on Meunier growing on sand, and I warmly encourage readers to try them.” - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

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Roger Coulon Vintage Blanc de Noirs

Only made in the best years, the vintage expression from Roger Coulon comes from vines that are 30 to 51 years old. A harmonious mix of pure, ungrafted Meunier and matured Pinot Noir resulting in a rich and exuberant champagne. The 2013 edition possesses tremendous richness from start to finish. A tapestry of red plum, spice, crushed flowers, tangerine peel, hazelnut, and chamomile unfolds, culminating in a profound finish that lingers expansively on the palate.

Roger Coulon Esprit Vrigny 1er Cru

One of our favourites in the range that stands shoulder to shoulder with grand cuvees from other champagne houses in blind tastings. It's pure, seamless and elegant. An equal blend of 33% Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, grown on diverse terroirs and vinified organically.

With spontaneous fermentation and 10 months of ageing in oak, this no-dosage wine spends six years refining its character. It presents a dance of apple, membrillo, and nuanced citrus, playing with light and shadow on the palate. Toasted nuts and gunflint are balanced out with a long saline finish.

Roger Coulon l'Hommée Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru

Crafted from 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir on certified organic, premier cru plots, this blend marries age-old vines with agroforestry principles. Fermented spontaneously and aged in oak for 10 months, it's a naturally clarified, unfiltered expression of terroir.

Pulsating with energy, its profound depth and sonorous qualities go beyond flavour—striking with the force of life itself. Aromas of honeycomb and brioche are intertwined with golden orchard fruit and white flowers. Simple delicious.

Roger Coulon Heri-Hodie 1er Cru

Roger Coulon's 100% Meunier, primarily from a solera system, is a testament to regenerative agroforestry and natural winemaking with its spontaneous fermentation and minimal dosage. This electrifying 'entry' wine dazzles with layers of white flowers, almonds, and gingerbread whilst it’s a textured, pulsating dance of flavours concluding with a lingering, toasty chestnut finish. Super-exciting.

Winery website: https://www.champagne-coulon.com/en