Welcome in Avirey-Lingey, Aube

The Aube region forms the southernmost part of Champagne’s vineyards. West and South of the city of Troyes lie some 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) of vines that form approximately a fifth of the total Champagne appellation. Around the town of Bar-sur-Seine, some 40 kilometres South-East of Troyes, we find the vineyards known as the Côte des Bars. The vines lie on either bank of the river Seine, clinging to the best exposed slopes. The landscape is harmonious, with alternating vineyards and woods flowing across gentle hills. The village of Avirey-Lingey is one of the smallest wine-growing communes in the area, its vineyards adding up to 130 hectares (320 acres). This is the home of Champagne Serge Mathieu, a family business whose roots lie firmly in this region, and whose approach is guided by a solid respect for the environment.

“Many say that one should not judge on appearances. This is untrue in the case of Serge Mathieu’s range of Champagnes. The impression of clarity and elegance that is given by the labels, together with that sophisticated touch that derives from attention to detail combined with an innate sense of balance, are both to be found in the aromas and flavours of all the wines in the range. Many talk of pure flavours in Champagne: these wines illustrate them, thanks to refined growing techniques and careful winemaking. Champagne is naturally crisp. For it to acquire some suppleness, it must be aged for a long time. If not, to make it easier to drink, its finest flavours will have to be masked by excessive dosage in sugar. Very few Champagnes can boast the ageing that all the range of Serge Mathieu Champagnes undergo.”

David Cobbold