Etienne Calsac
The story of Etienne Calsac begins in 2010. Driven by an early passion for wine, Etienne took the bold step of creating his own domaine, renting vines from his grandparents in Avize. Chardonnay is at the heart of this adventure, but Etienne is not content to rest on his laurels. He chose to replant old varieties such as Arbane and Petit Meslier on certain plots, reviving long-forgotten varieties. His vineyards stretch across prestigious terroirs, from the Côte des Blancs to the Côte des Bar, each sector adding its own distinctive nuance to the aromatic palette of Etienne's wines.
As for his background, Etienne is a young, self-taught winemaker, marked by unfailing determination. Unlike most of his colleagues, he didn't grow up surrounded by vines. His love of wine is rooted in the precious bottles his father used to open, and in his grandparents' vineyards in Avize. At the age of 15, he embarked on a viti-oenology training course that took him to the four corners of the world, before returning to Avize to make his dream come true. Setting up in 2010, with only 3 small hectares of vines, represented a colossal challenge. But Etienne's determination to do the right thing and his deep conviction that wine quality begins in the vineyard guided him through the difficult early years.
Vinification at Etienne Calsac is characterized by thoughtful minimalism. Spontaneous fermentation and ageing in oak barrels embody our concern to preserve the identity of the terroir. Each bottle tells a unique story, a sincere expression of its place of origin.
Ten years later, Domaine Etienne Calsac is a benchmark on the terroir Champagne map. Recognized as a "great winemaker of tomorrow", Etienne produces an ultra-confidential range, prized by sommeliers, characterized by a subtle balance between finesse, vivacity, delicacy and power. Chardonnay is the protagonist, accompanied by cherished ancient grape varieties. Etienne's curiosity, his respect for the living world (his estate is certified organic), and his ability to preserve freshness in his wines make him an emerging figure on the wine scene.
In short, Etienne Calsac is the rising star of Avize. This young talent offers Champagnes that embody the obviousness and vitality of fruit, while paying tribute to the authentic expression of the Champagne soil. On the Route des Blancs, Domaine Etienne Calsac has established itself as an essential, confidential and exciting stopover, ready to write new pages in the history of terroir Champagnes.