In the heart of Champagne’s Marne Valley, a quiet revolution is taking place. At Patis Pluriel in La Neuville-aux-Larris, fifth-generation winemaker Valentin Patis crafts champagnes that eloquently speak of place, tradition, and a bold new vision for what this iconic French wine can be.
A Legacy Reimagined
Patis Pluriel represents the innovative spirit of renewal brought by the new generation of the Patis family. Building on a legacy spanning five generations in the Marne Valley, Valentin Patis has combined his background in design with a deep-rooted knowledge of winemaking to create champagnes that honor tradition while embracing modern sensibilities.
The name “Pluriel” (meaning “plural”) reflects their philosophy—a convergence of elements that work together to create sensitive, sensory experiences through color, reflection, aroma, and texture.
The Meunier Masters
While many Champagne houses prioritize Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Patis family has long specialized in the often-underappreciated Meunier grape. Their estate encompasses eleven hectares of vineyards planted on the prized clay and chalk soils of the Marne Valley—ideal terroir for this characterful grape variety.
“The clay-limestone soils and specific microclimate of our valley allow Meunier to express itself fully, revealing a complexity and elegance that defies its humble reputation,” explains the philosophy behind their flagship cuvée.
Nature-Driven Winemaking
At the heart of Patis Pluriel’s approach is a deep commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention. The estate has earned High Environmental Value certification, reflecting its focus on preserving soil health and biodiversity.
Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity and authenticity through practices that may seem radical in traditional Champagne:
- No added sulfites
- Brut nature (zero added sugar)
- Unfiltered production
- Parcel-specific vinification
This careful approach allows each cuvée to express the true character of the terroir with remarkable clarity.
Corps Simple: Meunier in Its Purest Form
The estate’s flagship cuvée, Corps Simple, is a testament to their philosophy. Made from 100% Meunier grown on 50-year-old vines from the La Croix de Verneuil parcel, this champagne showcases the grape in its purest expression.
When tasted, Corps Simple reveals an extraordinarily floral character—acacia, white blossoms, a touch of magnolia, and jasmine. The nose continues with notes of ripe pear, apple, citrus, orange peel, and almond. On the palate, it displays a rich style with elegant floral notes, crisp acidity that cuts through everything, and a slight spiciness reminiscent of green chili peppers, yet remaining soft and refined.
The mousse is beautifully integrated with fine bubbles that burst pleasantly in the mouth, precisely what makes champagne so delightful. The preservation of carbonic ice during fermentation, rather than the use of sulfites, maintains the wine’s pristine character, allowing the vineyard’s voice to come through unfiltered, both literally and figuratively.
Les Sèves: The Art of Blending
For those seeking more complexity, Les Sèves offers a masterclass in the art of blending. This cuvée is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, each vinified separately in seven-year-old French oak barrels.
After individual fermentation, only the three best barrels are selected following meticulous tasting sessions. The absence of filtration preserves the wine’s integrity and structure from barrel to bottle.
A tasting reveals Les Sèves to be “super aromatic” with pronounced wood notes of vanilla, coconut, and lightly toasted wood. The floral character continues with acacia, white blossoms, and hints of jasmine. Citrus, peach, and lemon zest notes are complemented by hazelnuts and almonds in this rich style of champagne. On the palate, it offers a refined mousse with a silky texture, honey tones, and notes of beeswax, alongside high but pleasant acidity that “cleans the mouth.” Ripe pear and apple round out this stunning champagne.
The Complementary Pair
The key difference between these two exceptional champagnes lies in their character and structure. Corps Simple leads with high acidity that cuts through everything, featuring a predominantly floral character followed by fruit notes. Les Sèves, by contrast, offers more roundness, warmth, and elegance, with notes of vanilla and wood complementing a diverse range of citrus and stone fruits.
Both champagnes display remarkable complexity in their way. Corps Simple would pair beautifully as an aperitif with oysters or fish. At the same time, Les Sèves could accompany a main course featuring lightly grilled tuna with pickled cucumber or subtle kimchi notes.
A Pure Expression
With each bottle, Patis Pluriel invites us to experience Champagne in its most authentic form—a pure expression of place, time, and family heritage. In a region often defined by large houses and established names, these artisanal cuvées remind us that Champagne’s future lies as much in innovation as in tradition.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the familiar Champagne labels or are interested in how sustainable practices are transforming this historic wine region, seek out these extraordinary cuvées. They offer a genuine taste of Champagne’s exciting new frontier—where tradition meets innovation in the glass.
Santé!
More information: https://www.patispluriel.com
