Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils stands out as one of the most renowned grower-producers in Champagne, celebrated for its mastery of Chardonnay and deep commitment to showcasing terroir. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Côte des Blancs, this family-run estate has spent generations refining the art of crafting exceptional bubbly. I had the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with Didier Gimonnet, who, together with his brother Olivier, continues to push the boundaries of quality and tradition. In this article, I’ll dive into the fascinating story of this iconic producer, share insights from my visit, and provide tasting notes from their impressive range.
Menu
About Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils
History
The Style
Tastings
Overall Thoughts
About Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils
Champagne enthusiasts with a keen eye may have noticed the name Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils featured on some of the world’s most prestigious wine lists. Revered for its precision and finesse, this family-run grower-producer has earned a stellar reputation for crafting some of the most elegant Blanc de Blancs in the region.
What sets Pierre Gimonnet & Fils apart is their unwavering dedication to Chardonnay, the only grape variety used in their champagnes. Sourced exclusively from the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs—a region globally recognized for producing the finest Chardonnay—these wines exemplify purity, minerality, and sophistication.
For sommeliers, Pierre Gimonnet’s champagnes are a benchmark for balance and elegance. Making them an essential addition to top-tier wine programs. For discerning champagne lovers, they offer a chance to experience a true reflection of terroir. Whether paired with fine cuisine or enjoyed on their own, these champagnes are a masterclass in the art of winemaking.
History
The story of Pierre Gimonnet & Fils begins in the little village of Cuis, in the Côte des Blancs (near Epernay). The Gimonnet family has been deeply rooted in this area for over two centuries. Their vine cultivation traces back to 1750!
As was typical of the time for small winemakers, they initially grew grapes as part of the long-standing tradition of selling their harvest to larger houses. By the late 19th century, the family’s vineyards were flourishing, and their reputation as meticulous cultivators began to grow.
A Turning Point
But they reached a turning point in 1935. Pierre Gimonnet, a visionary in his own right, decided to break from the norm. Rather than supplying grapes to others, he began crafting his own champagnes under the family name. Pierre’s decision was revolutionary, reflecting a growing movement among small producers to establish themselves as independent grower-producers.
His initial vintages were met with acclaim. They reflected an intimate knowledge of the terroir and a dedication to quality that larger producers couldn’t replicate. His approach was simple yet profound: focus on Chardonnay, the grape that thrives in the region, and craft wines that express the character of each vineyard.
The Second Generation
Decades later, Pierre’s son, Michel, took the reins. While Michel had a deep respect for tradition, he also wanted to refine techniques to enhance the quality of the wines.
One of Michel’s key contributions was his dedication to preserving and cultivating old vines, a hallmark of the producer today. In fact, they do still have plants dating back to 1911! These vines produce lower yields but offer grapes with unparalleled depth and complexity. Michel also championed the philosophy of terroir-driven winemaking, emphasizing that each plot has its own unique story to tell.
Today
Today, Pierre Gimonnet & Fils is led by the third generation. Brothers Olivier and Didier Gimonnet continue the family legacy, elevating the house to new heights.
Under their leadership, the estate has expanded to encompass 30 hectares of vineyards, spread across some of the most prestigious villages in the Côte des Blancs. These include Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, Vertus, and Cuis. The Gimonnets are meticulous about maintaining the individuality of these plots, vinifying them separately to capture their distinct personalities.
The Style
The style of Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils is the epitome of elegance and terroir expression. Their exclusively Chardonnay-based champagnes are marked by a vibrant minerality, crispness, and delicate notes of flowers and citrus.
This refined character begins in the vineyard. The Gimonnet family meticulously tends 30 hectares of vineyard (some 40ish parcelles), including vines over 100 years old. Their oldest are from 1911 and 1913, in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. In fact, over 80% of their Grand Cru vines have been providing grapes for over half a century! These old vines yield fruit with exceptional concentration and complexity, which form the backbone of their wines. To maintain quality for new vineyards, Massale Selection is used.
The closest parcel to the cellars, named Croix-Blanche, are Premier Cru vines planted in the 1960s.
In the cellar, the Gimonnets employ a vinification process that emphasizes clarity and freshness. They vinify each vineyard parcel separately, allowing the unique characteristics of each terroir to shine. Stainless steel tanks are used to preserve the bright, pure fruit flavours of Chardonnay. Extended lees ageing adds texture and subtle brioche notes without overshadowing the wine’s inherent liveliness. The result is a collection of champagnes that are precise and balanced, offering both immediate appeal and remarkable ageing potential. More about the second point in the tasting.
Interestingly, reserve wines are stored in bottles — something extremely rare in champagne. This helps to preserve freshness but also create roundness for future assemblages.
Tastings
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils has an incredibly complete and diverse range for a one-grape-variety producer! Each bottle expresses a different terroir, a different vintage, a different consumption moment. I tasted my way through 10 different cuvées from the range, as well as a special something from the archives. I starred my top 3 favourites from the tasting!
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Cuis 1er Cru
100% Chardonnay | 5.5-6g/L | Assemblage 6 harvests: base 2021 + 26% reserve wines from 2020, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014 | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 3 years
This non-vintage Blanc de Blancs is a beautiful example of the House style. It’s a vin de plaisir that is enjoyable and easy to drink with delicate bubbles. The nose is a velvety melange of freshly juiced citrus, intermingling with a whiff of white blossoms and notes of chalk characteristic of the region. The mouth airy and light with a vibrant minerality that is balanced by a comforting roundness. Really nice for sipping over apéro or for enjoying alongside fresh shellfish.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Extra
100% Chardonnay | 4g/L | Assemblage 6 harvests: base 2020 + 30% reserve wines from 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 4 years
This relatively new cuvée was created to follow the consumer trend for lower-dosage bubbly. But while Blanc de Blancs can be austere when they are Brut Nature, this Extra Brut maintains enjoyability and is popular on the top tables of the USA. It’s zestier than its Brut counterpart, with added notes of Granny Smith and some wildflower honey. There’s a nice salinity that makes you want more. This is a great “overall wine” that can be enjoyed throughout a meal, from apératif to light entrees to white meat or fish.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Rosé des Blancs
93.5% Chardonnay, 6.5% Pinot Noir | 5g/L | Base 2021 | Pinot Noir from Bouzy; Chardonnay from Chouilly (GC) Cramant (GC), Oger (GC), Cuis (PC), and Vertus (PC) | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 4 years
I guess technically this is an anomaly from the rest of the range since there is a little drop of Pinot Noir from (purchased) grapes. It’s different from your usual rosé champagnes since it really maintains the characteristics of Chardonnay. The nose expresses raspberry and Turkish delight. But the mouth is like a classic Blanc de Blancs: very fresh with bright minerality! It’s mouth-watering in a good way.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Gastronome 2020 Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs
100% Chardonnay | 4.5g/L | 100% Côte des Blancs, mostly Grand Cru: Chouilly (GC) Cramant (GC), Oger (GC), Cuis (PC), and Vertus (PC) | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 3+ years
Considered “the pearl of Gimonnet”, this cuvée was originally created by Pierre Gimonnet in 1947. The idea was to create an exceptional champagne from some of the best terroirs in the region that can accompany an entire meal. So far, this goal has been accomplished for almost 80 years.
The nose is deliciously buttery, like a freshly baked croissant. Notes of lemon zest, pear, salted almonds, and blossoms peak through. The mouth presents very fine bubbles (“petite mousse”) and creaminess without overshadowing sea-like minerality. It lingers in mouth and makes you reach for more. This would be amazing with a seafood risotto.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron 2019 Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs *
100% Chardonnay | 4g/L | 100% Côte des Blancs, mostly Grand Cru: Cramant (GC), Chouilly (GC), and Cuis (PC) | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 4+ years
Fleuron was the domaine’s first and flagship vintage cuvée… dating back to the 1930s! Throughout the decades, it has only been created in the very best years. 2019 was difficult with a small harvest, but the grapes that persevered created really nice champagnes. Like this one.
Fleuron 2019 is another gourmand bubbly with delicious aromas of lime and lemon zests, spiced poached pear, and apple confit. It’s less buttery than Gastronome and is intensely mineral. It’s complex and alluring, reminiscent of perfume. While it seems big and powerful, it is surprisingly light and refreshing in mouth. This was one of my favourites of the tasting!
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Oenophile 2018 Brut Nature 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs
100% Chardonnay | 0g/L | 100% Côte des Blancs, mostly Grand Cru: Cramant (GC), Chouilly (GC), Oger (GC), and Cuis (PC) | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 3+ years
While non-dosed champagne is all the rage right now, the Gimonnet brothers pioneered this Brut Nature back in 1985 to highlight the grandeur and complexity of the great Chardonnays of the Côte des Blancs. Since then, this vintage bubbly has only been produced 20 times: only the best vintages!
This one was surprising to me, in a good way. Sometimes, Blanc de Blancs with zero dosage can be a little shocking and angular. But this was quite pleasant. The nose is bright with aromas of Granny Smith and lemon zest, reminiscent of my childhood hanging around the kitchen while my Mom would make homemade Polish apple cake. The characteristic Chalky nuances of the region peak through. The mouth is lively and pure with a really nice tension that contrasts beautifully with the delicately creamy structure. The flavours are refreshingly crisp with notes of green apple and sea salt. A really beautiful expression of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Cuis 1er Cru 2018 Extra Brut – Special Club
100% Chardonnay | 5g/L | 100% Cuis Premier Cru, Côte des Blancs | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 4+ years
Remember the “Croix Blanche” vineyard behind the Domaine that I mentioned earlier? The best grapes from that parcel, as well as a few from the “Roualles” vineyard go into this cuvée. This rare bottle is brand-new; 2018 its first vintage.
The nose is delicious: pear with brioche aux pralines rose and bergamot. The mouth is creamy and unctuous with the Gimonnet’s signature vivacity. Fruity notes are ameliorated with a hint of spices and mouth-watering minerality. This would be the perfect accompaniment for crustaceans!
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Grand Terroirs de Chardonnay 2016 Extra Brut – Special Club
100% Chardonnay | 5g/L | 100% Côte des Blancs, 85% Grand Cru and 15% Premier Cru: Cramant (GC), Chouilly (GC), and Cuis (PC) | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 5+ years
This prestige cuvée has been around since 1971. It only uses old vines: at least 40 years old, with the most ancient planted in 1911 and 1913! Their 2016 vintage was recently awarded a 2-star rating in the 2025 edition of the Guide Hachette des Vins. Basically France’s Michelin Guide for wine, a 2* (out of 3) corresponds to an outstanding wine.
I really like the nose. It has tantalising aromas of fresh lemon, marzipan, hazelnut, and what I like to call a “popcorn nose”: notes of salted butter and toast. The mouth expresses a perfect balance between vibrant freshness and creamy texture. There’s a hint of salinity and chalkiness that give length and elegance. Speaking of length, there is an interesting lemoniness that lingers on the palate that I find enjoyable and refreshing.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Cramant Grand Cru 2016 Extra Brut – Special Club *
100% Chardonnay | 4g/L | 100% Cramant Grand Cru Côte des Blancs | Malolactic fermentation | Aged 4+ years
Gimmonet & Fils consider this prestige cuvée as their “coup de coeur” (crush), and for very good reason! It was one of my favourites as well.
Again, this wine is made from very old vines (40-100+ years). But it is made exclusively from the Domaine’s top plots in Cramant, considered by many to be one of the two historic and best Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs. This is another relatively new cuvée; produced only since 2012 with very limited bottling.
The nose and mouth are big, silky, complex, and profound. Aromas of pear, almond, brioche, freesia, and a hint of spices invite sipping. The mouth is seductively tense, balancing between silky roundness and lively minerality. I think this would pair particularly well with white meats like Poularde or capon with cream sauce. Just divine.
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils 1995 – Special Club *
100% Chardonnay | ?g/L | 100% Côte des Blancs, Cramant (GC) and Chouilly (GC) | Malolactic fermentation | 30 years old!
The early ’90s were somewhat abysmal for Champagne… until 1995 which had an overall warm and steady summer. Wines from this vintage were characterized by richness and generosity, but they are also very well balanced.
Three decades later, this champagne is spectacular. The nose has incredible tertiary aromas of leather, cooked fruits, and wood varnish (in a good way… like inside a château or scotch room). The mouth is surprisingly light and refreshing. It perfectly exemplifies the ageing potential of a meticulously crafted Chardonnay-based champagne from the Côte des Blancs. My notes for this one began with “WOW WOW WOW” and I haven’t stopped thinking about this wine since tasting it.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils should be on your list if you are looking for the reference for Chardonnay-based champagne. The range is fantastic and I truly believe that there is something for anyone’s tastes. While I liked everything I tasted, my personal top three favourite are:
- Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron 2019 Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs
- Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Cramant Grand Cru 2016 Extra Brut – Special Club
- Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils 1995 – Special Club
It was such a lovely experience spending the morning learning and discussing the Domaine with Didier. He is passionate, open, and honest about his bubbly and the behind-the-scenes of winemaking in the region. I feel honoured that he also shared the special bottle from 1995! Truly an enchanting visit. Merci beaucoup.
