CHAMPAGNE LAURENT BENARD
THE VINEYARD
Welcome to the enchanting heart of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a picturesque village renowned for its premier cru distinction.
Here, the spirit of Champagne flows through the veins of the Benard and Pitois families, who have lovingly tended the vines since 1878.
The magic began in 1934, when Raoul Benard, Laurent's grandfather, crafted the very first champagnes.
In 1991, the reins of this legacy were passed to Laurent and his wife. Fueled by a passion for organic practices and a deep belief in biodynamic principles, they embarked on a journey that transformed the Estate. It's not merely about the final product; it's a profound respect for nature and the art of creating coveted champagnes.
Bearing the name Champagne Laurent Bénard, the wines reflect Laurent's personal touch. Here, the terroir takes centre stage, while innovative sulphur-free winemaking techniques and a commitment to organic standards shape their identity.
Now, in the vibrant chapter of 2020, Charles, Laurent's son, proudly carries forth the torch, building upon his father's legacy. Every bottle they share encapsulates the family's unwavering dedication to crafting extraordinary champagne, a devotion rooted in their profound love for the land and their unyielding pursuit of excellence.
CHARLES & LAURENT
Meet Laurent Bénard, a microbiology engineer turned Champagne enthusiast. His approach is a wonderful blend of heart and mind, always striving for balance and thoughtfulness in his craft.
When he took over the estate, he sensed the vineyards lacked harmony and the wines needed a unique touch. Embracing a more mindful viticulture, he fostered deeper connections between the vines and their surroundings, giving the wines a richer character.
Since 2010, Laurent has been experimenting with sulphur-free techniques, preserving the wine's true essence. Every drop is nurtured in a container that lets its beauty shine, whether it's wood, enamelled steel, stainless steel, or more.
​
And then there's Charles Bénard, a graduate in both Agronomy and Oenology. Eager to join his father's legacy, he faced a crossroads.
Two paths stood before him: exploring new horizons elsewhere or diving into the family legacy to learn from his parents and the estate's team. He chose the latter.
Inspired by his father's transformation, he's passionately continuing the journey, taking the agro-environmental approach to new heights.
Since the 2020 harvest – at the youthful age of 24 – Charles has been hands-on at the estate, working side by side with Laurent to create exceptional blends.
​