Crucifix Père et Fils: Hidden Gem of Montagne de Reims

Five generations of Récoltant-Manipulant from Avenay-Val-d’Or, Premier Cru on the eastern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Available in the Netherlands since 2024 via Bubbels van Amar. Sébastien Crucifix runs the family estate today — fifth generation, with a minimal-intervention approach and a personal preference for cuvées free of bitter notes.

Avenay-Val-d’Or

Premier Cru classification within Champagne, clay-limestone soil ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Distinctive mineral underlay from the terroir; Sébastien lets it speak rather than steering toward a predetermined house style. A craft detail: their Épitre Act 18 bottles are hand-tied with hemp cord and wax-sealed.

Signature Extra Brut

80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir. Fermentation in French oak barrels followed by 84 months on the lees (seven years — well above the minimum for non-vintage). 12.5% alcohol, 2016 vintage as base.

Honey, toasted almond and hazelnut on the nose. On the palate stewed fruit with delicate oak and vanilla, full and creamy, long sustained finish. The extra brut dosage lets the complexity from long autolysis dominate.

At the table

Serve at 6-8°C as aperitif. Also works with chicken in cream sauce, smoked fish, grilled scampi, lobster. The complexity makes this bottle suitable for the whole meal, not just the opening pour.

Verdict

A Premier Cru grower champagne now within Dutch reach. For drinkers ready to look beyond the big names and who appreciate serious bottle aging — seven years on the lees — a direct entry.

Thanks to Bubbels van Amar for the bottle. bubbelsvanamar.nl