Champagne Roland Boulard et Filles was founded in the 1970s by Roland Boulard, in the village of Cormicy. The “et Filles” part (“and young women”) is particularly important, as the daughters have always brought their strong female leadership and presence to the house. Today, Champagne Roland Boulard is led by one of Roland’s three daughters, Nathalie, alongside her husband, Benoit. They also had three daughters, all of whom work in the family business today. We had the pleasure of visiting with the entire family at their lovely winery – first back in November, and again this last week at Wine Paris – and we can genuinely say that this family is the salt of the earth, and entirely enamored with their craft of producing stellar Champagne.

The Boulards got their start by selling their grapes to big houses, or Grande Marques, but in 2010 they decided to forgo the negociant business and become a recoltant manipulant (RM) grower producer instead. Because of the two generations of three daughters each, they added three roses to the griffin of their family crest, and added the “et Filles” tag to the house name. Along the way, they spent considerable efforts cleaning up their existing vineyards and acquiring a few new great sites. Committed to sustainability and stewardship of the land, their 10 hectares of vineyards are certified as High Environmental Value level 3 (HEV-3), which is a rigorous certification few vineyards achieve. Some of their parcels are in historic vineyards, such as in their home village of Cormicy and neighboring Hermonville, too, and they even recently expanded to the Grand Cru vineyards of Mailly.

This powerful and bright signature Blanc de Noirs is a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley and 40% Pinot Noir from Saint Thierry Massif, 60% of which comes from the 2022 vintage with the rest pulled from large oak cask of the family’s perpetual reserves. Twenty months on the lees, with a Brut level dosage, and the creamy richness of malolactic fermentation – this wine is as stunning as Champagnes three times the price. It pours a delicate rose gold, with a soft and creamy mousse, followed by aromas that are both floral and mineral – this beautiful medley of rose petals and iron ore, with bountiful notes of red plums trailing not far behind. In the mouth, red cherries abound, with golden apples, black raspberries, and smoky flint. The finish is structured and lingers for a good 30 seconds plus, with a wonderfully spiced accent of black peppercorns and savory herbs. With a medium weight and everlasting finish, this lovely Champagne is overall round, creamy, and powerful as all get out. We made a deal as we were tasting it to get every last bottle still available (much to Benoit’s delight!)…and they happily agreed! What started as a tour from one daughter, became a full-blown family affair, with toasts, and hugs, and Champagne deals galore! A simply perfect evening – sure to lead to many great nights to come for everyone that scores a few bottles of this excellent 93 point Champagne. We’re over the moon to have this newest discovery to share – and one that you won’t find anywhere else in the USA!