Wines of France / Champagne / Cramant / Voirin Jumel

Champagne Voirin Jumel - Côtes des Blancs

Cramant, Marne
​The Champagne region, like that of Burgundy, has many producers with double-barreled names. These names usually occur when the offspring of one producer marries another, creating a new identity for certain parcels of vines passed on by the parents. Voirin-Jumel, a récoltant manipulant located in the grand cru village Cramant, is one example of this.

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photo courtesy of Voirin Jumel

Voirin-Jumel vines

Jean Voirin, who owned some vines and sold all his grapes in bulk, decided to begin bottling his own champagne at the end of World War II. The Jumel family started producing champagne around the same time—René Jumel had a transport business and his wife's family had some vines that they cultivated. As the champagne market grew, René began selling some of his trucks and buying vineyards around the Côte des Blancs, which his wife, Paulette Richomme, worked and oversaw. Between 1950 and 1970, all the grapes were sold in bulk.

In the early 1970’s, Francoise Jumel (daughter of Paulette and René) began bottling champagne with her husband Gilles Voirin under the name Voirin-Jumel. That year they sold nearly 10,000 bottles.

photo courtesy of Voirin Jumel

In the 1990s, Francoise's children, Patrick and Alice, along with Patrick's wife Valerie, began running the domaine. Today it is a true family affair, and they own 11 hectares of vines in 11 different villages (broken down to approximately 10% Cramant, 20% Chouilly, 10% Avize, 5% Oiry, 10% Oger, 10% Mareuil-sur-Ay, 10% Vertus, 15% Verneuil and the remaining 10% in 3 other villages).

photo courtesy of Voirin Jumel

Each lot of grapes is vinified separately and each tank goes through malolactic fermentation. In January, the wines are stabilized. Shortly thereafter, the vins clairs (still wines) are tasted and it is determined which lots will be used for each specific release. All the champagnes are given very low dosages, and are aged for 3-4 years minimum, thus ensuring fresh, lower-acidity champagnes that really highlight their varied terroirs. All their production is bottled and sold at the domaine.

Champagne Voirin-Jumel Tradition Brut NV
A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne, this is the domaine's "entry level" champagne, perfect for any occasion. Its aromas and flavors of red fruits, hazelnuts and almonds are balanced by a pleasant liveliness.

​Champagne Voirin-Jumel Grand Cru NV
Composed of 100% Chardonnay from all grand cru vineyard plots, this release is normally a blend of 2 vintages. It has floral and citrus aromas, a creamy texture with a fleeting note of apricot, and a long, fine, and mineraled finish. Great as an aperitif, this champagne also works well at the table with seafood and sushi.

photo courtesy of Voirin Jumel