NV Francois Secondé Sillery Grand Cru, Champagne, France

ABOUT THE WINE

This NV Champagne is crafted exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in Sillery, located in the Montagne de Reims. A blend dominated by Pinot Noir, with a supporting portion of Chardonnay, the wine showcases Sillery’s unique ability to balance strength and elegance. Fermented and aged partly in stainless steel and partly in oak barrels, it benefits from extended lees aging, developing depth and complexity beyond its vintage-free label. The nose offers notes of golden apple, lemon zest, hazelnut, and a touch of smoke, while the palate is structured and linear, revealing chalk-laced tension and precision.
Farming here is meticulous, with François Secondé among the few growers in Sillery who bottle under their own name. Minimal intervention in the cellar allows the character of this singular site to shine. Pair with oysters, Comté, roast chicken, or even sashimi—anything that calls for clarity and texture.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

François Secondé is the only récoltant-manipulant (grower-producer) based in Sillery, a Grand Cru village historically known for still red wines but now gaining recognition for its Champagne potential. He began bottling under his own label in the 1970s, focusing on expressing the power and minerality of Pinot Noir grown on chalky soils. The estate farms about 5.5 hectares with a sustainable approach, emphasizing soil health and careful vineyard management. Secondé’s winemaking philosophy centers on purity and site expression, with long lees aging and restrained dosage to highlight the nuance of Sillery’s terroir. His wines are rare, precise, and increasingly sought after by collectors and sommeliers alike.