In the heart of Champagne, nestled within the legendary Côte des Blancs, lies Domaine Vincey, a producer that has captured the attention of both wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. [read the full champagne story]
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Domaine Vincey
★★★
Region: Côte des Blancs
Premier Cru Sites: Vertus
Grand Cru Sites: Oger, Les Mesnil-sûr-Oger, Avize
Total Vineyard Holdings: 8 Ha
Annual Production: 20-30,000 bottles
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Vincey is certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic as of 2023.
‘One of the hottest grower champagnes right now. Quentin Vincey has been biodynamically oriented since 2014.’
Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin
Domaine Vincey – A Gem in Côte des Blancs
In the heart of Champagne, nestled within the legendary Côte des Blancs, lies Domaine Vincey, a producer that has captured the attention of both wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. It’s not just the unique vineyards and exceptional terroirs that make this producer stand out, but also the dedication to craftsmanship and the elegance that defines every bottle. Domaine Vincey is, in many ways, a hidden gem whose reputation is rising as quickly as the bubbles in a perfectly chilled glass of champagne.
The Story Behind Domaine Vincey
Domaine Vincey was founded as part of a long-standing tradition of viticulture in Champagne, where multiple generations have nurtured and developed their passion for grape growing and winemaking. What sets Vincey apart is their deep respect for tradition, paired with an innovative spirit that constantly strives for perfection. The Vincey family owns vineyards in Oger, Le Mesnil-sûr-Oger, and Chouilly, all Grand Cru villages located at the heart of Côte des Blancs, giving them access to some of the most exclusive vineyard sites in Champagne.
With a philosophy rooted in organic and sustainable viticulture, Vincey has made a conscious decision to minimize chemical interventions in the vineyard. This results in terroir-driven champagnes that express the unique characteristics of each vintage and each parcel of land.
Terroir: Côte des Blancs in its Purest Form
What truly defines Domaine Vincey is its terroir. They cultivate almost exclusively Chardonnay, the grape for which Côte des Blancs is renowned. The chalky soils and cool climate of the area impart an impressive minerality, freshness, and underlying elegance to the champagnes that are hard to match. Each of the villages from which Vincey sources its grapes contributes a distinct character: the intense freshness of Oger, the complex minerality of Le Mesnil-sûr-Oger, and the rich fruitiness of Chouilly.
The Vincey family takes terroir seriously. Each bottle is an homage to the land that nurtures its grapes. They vinify their different vineyard plots separately, allowing each parcel to speak its own language and each vintage’s unique conditions to shine through.
Philosophy and Winemaking
Vincey’s winemaking philosophy revolves around slow, natural processes. They use indigenous yeast strains to best reflect the unique character of their vineyards. Some of their champagnes undergo malolactic fermentation, adding creaminess and softness to the wine, while others are kept crisper to maintain the vibrant acidity so typical of Côte des Blancs.
Their wines are aged on the lees for extended periods, contributing to a complex aromatic profile and a silky mouthfeel. The combination of careful handling and natural, slow maturation in the cellars results in wines with deep layers of flavor and a finely tuned balance between fruit, acidity, and minerality.
Vincey’s Champagnes: A Sensory Journey
Domaine Vincey ‘Interlude Blanc de Blancs’ (2019-base)
79(69)p
100 ch
« Young and steely style with some floweriness, but in my opinion a little too dry, tough and acidic in relation to the fruit. Store for at least 10 years yourself or buy a bottle or two of the fine vintage wines from Oger. »
2019 Domaine Vincey ‘Le Grand Jardin’
94(92)p
100 ch
« The vineyard wine from one of the hottest grower champagnes right now. Quentin Vincey has been biodynamically oriented since 2014. The grower works extremely innovatively into the smallest detail like the great heroes. The company has 5 hectares of Grand cru which they try to bring to life as much as possible on a micro level. Medium-roasted barrels, late harvest, bottling in moonlight, etc. Here, in addition to the obvious chalky minerality and the green-yellow notes of sour citrus fruit, there is also an exciting intensity of petroleum and rose oil and a more exotic fruit thanks to the richness of the vintage. »
2018 Domaine Vincey ‘Le Grand Jardin’
93(90)p
100 ch
« One of the hottest grower champagnes right now. Quentin Vincey has been biodynamically oriented since 2014. The grower works extremely innovatively into the smallest detail like the great heroes. The company has 5 hectares of Grand cru which they try to bring to life as much as possible on a micro level. Medium-roasted barrels, late harvest, bottling in moonlight, etc. In this vintage, this vineyard wine from Oger is not as rounded and inviting as 2019, but more classic and austere. »
2015 Domaine Vincey ‘Le Grand Jardin’
90(90)p
100 ch
« Quentin Vincey is one of the hottest champagne growers right now. He has been biodynamically oriented since 2014. The grower works extremely innovatively into the smallest detail like the great heroes. The company has 5 hectares of Grand cru which they try to bring to life as much as possible on a micro level. Medium-roasted barrels, late harvest, bottling in moonlight, etc. The vineyard wine Le Grand Jardin in 2015 has, in addition to the obvious chalky minerality and the green-yellow notes of sour citrus fruit, also an exciting intensity of walnut and quince. Broad, yet springy, clean and youthful with a long stony finish. However, fully in maturity balance as early as 2024. »
2017 Domaine Vincey ‘Oger Millésime’
82(82)p
100 ch
« One of the hottest grower champagnes right now. Quentin Vincey has been biodynamically oriented since 2014. The grower works extremely innovatively into the smallest detail like the great heroes. The company has 5 hectares of Grand cru which they try to bring to life as much as possible on a micro level. Medium-roasted barrels, late harvest, bottling in moonlight, etc. Here I am not very impressed. Slightly flat texture and nice rounded slightly overripe style. A disappointment compared to how it usually looks from this eminent grower. »
The Future of Domaine Vincey
With a deep respect for its heritage and a strong vision for the future, Domaine Vincey is a pioneer among the new wave of champagne houses that seamlessly combine tradition and innovation. They have garnered a loyal following among professional sommeliers and private collectors alike, with their champagnes representing a perfect balance of terroir, craftsmanship, and sheer pleasure.
For those fortunate enough to taste Vincey’s champagnes, a journey of discovery awaits, merging the most delicate nuances of Côte des Blancs with a near-philosophical reflection on each sip. Every bottle invites you to delve deep into the world of champagne and experience its finest expression.
It’s only a matter of time before Domaine Vincey takes its rightful place among the top names in Champagne, alongside the most prestigious houses in the region.
Closing Thoughts
Domaine Vincey is a must-visit for any champagne lover seeking something truly special. Their champagnes express, in an unforgettable way, the pure, elegant, and mineral-driven character of Côte des Blancs. In every glass of Vincey, one finds not only the soul of the wine but also the history and future of Champagne in each and every bubble.
