CHAMPAGNE DE SAINT GALL

CHAMPAGNE DE ST GALL Behind the De Saint Gall brand lies a history unique in the Champagne region. Twelve production units, united for almost 40 years under the banner “Union Champagne”, have contributed to its creation and success. Their trump card: an exceptional terroir in villages whose names are music to the ears of connoisseurs. This precious heritage covers over a thousand hectares of Premiers and Grands Crus vineyards, all classified from 95 to 100% on the Champagne “echelle des crus” rating system. It includes almost half the famous Côte des Blancs area, where Chardonnay reigns supreme, and some of the prestigious Montagne de Reims terroirs. The De Saint Gall signature therefore quite naturally evokes the pure and elegant style of great champagnes.

THE TERROIR

The vineyards

De Saint Gall's main source of pride is its incomparable position on the famous Côte des Blancs, the most elegant of the Champagne terroirs. The Premiers and Grands Crus villages are spread out over a superb chalky terroir that enables the vines to burrow their roots deep down into the soil. Here, Chardonnay is king, reaching its most sublime expression and producing racy, long-living champagnes. Four of the most renowned Montagne de Reims villages complete the vineyard holdings, bringing their roundness and unctuosity to certain cuvées in the range.

Maps

Union Champagne was created in Avize in 1966 from the union of six cooperatives, which were already at the time the most dynamic in the Côte des Blancs area. Since then, its development has continued without interruption and over the years the original core group has been enriched with new members. Today, the group has twelve production centres, situated on the finest terroirs, and 1860 members, who are all passionate about their terroir and their grapes. At the top of the scale, 2/3 of the vines are classed as Grand Cru: these are the Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Ambonnay, Bouzy and Aÿ vineyards. 1/3 are classed as Premier Cru: Vertus, Bergères les Vertus and Cumières.  

The people

The history of Union Champagne owes much to the past generations of growers who, even before the group was created, were dedicated to preserving their exceptional terroirs. From the grower, passionate about his grapes, to the cellar master, the slow genesis of a great champagne is ensured. Altogether, over 2,000 people participate in this great adventure. Respecting the heritage

The terroir is the first component in the alchemy that goes into making champagne. Maintaining this heritage is above all a question of respecting the traditions that have made this terroir unique in the world. It is also about integrating new technical advances, such as “viticulture raisonnée”, monitoring the parcels, and controlling vineyard health. Without doubt, it is in the cellars that the continuity of the great Champagne tradition is most keenly felt. Along the 4 kilometres carved into the chalk of Avize, the transformation of sugars into alcohol slowly takes place until the miracle of effervescence occurs.  

The contribution of technology

Although robots have not taken the place of men, the technical equipment in Avize is nonetheless extremely impressive and is no doubt the most up-to-date in the whole of the Champagne region. After the harvest, the slow fermentation processes begin, and are skilfully adapted to each different cuvée. The crucial step in the vinification process comes at the moment when the vins clairs are blended. The oenologists’ great virtuosity lies in their ability to harmoniously blend each terroir’s individual expression into a style that remains consistent from year to year.

THE RANGE

The range of Premiers Crus that bear the De Saint Gall signature can be described as exceptional, since the very special geographic situation of the brand’s terroirs enables it to produce blends of an unequalled richness. THE COLLECTION The aristocratic circle of De Saint Gall Grands Crus now includes four Blanc de Blancs cuvées. Produced from the finest Grand Cru parcels, these cuvées undergo micro-vinifications, and each has its own individual style. The exception to the rule is the Rosé Brut, due to be released in 2004, which is exclusively composed of Pinot Noir grapes. PHILOSOPHY

Its location on the greatest Champagne terroirs and its pure, elegant style make De Saint Gall a champagne for connoisseurs. Over the years, this distinctive champagne has carved a discreet but solid reputation for itself amongst a circle of devotees. The marketing policy of the house is in step with this image, the aim being to introduce the brand gradually, while taking into consideration the sensitivities of the different markets. AWARDS

De Saint Gall cuvées regularly win awards in international wine competitions, such as Vinalies, Chardonnay du Monde, the Concours Mondial in Brussels and the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

In less than five years, De Saint Gall has won about fifty medals, a fitting reward for its dedication to quality.