Introducing Barbichon

When ultimate “cool-kid” Champagne producer and long-time fatcork darling Etienne Calsac, puts you in a room with one of his favorite winemakers, you better be ready with your A-game — and, oh boy, were we ever! We hadn’t yet heard of Barbichon, a fourth generation-led domaine from the Aube, before meeting their team last spring. But when we learned their story and tasted their cuvées, it was obvious we’d been missing out. 

The Barbichons have been growing grapes and making wine in the Aube since the late 19th century. But even in a subregion of Champagne known for defying convention, their family domaine, Champagne Robert Barbichon, stands apart. 

Today, fourth-generation vigneron Thomas Barbichon and his family are in charge, cultivating the 9 hectares of biodynamic vineyards in the village of Gyé-sur-Seine that Thomas inherited from his father, Robert. Each of Thomas’ cuvées reflects a razor-sharp focus and an identity driven by his vineyards’ limestone-rich Kimmeridgian soils. 

Champagne Robert Barbichon is also one of only a small number of domaines that uses pinot blanc. Though it is one of the seven grapes allowed by Champagne law, pinot blanc is rarely planted. In fact, to cultivate this uncommon grape, the domaine must have historical records that prove the varietal has been grown on their land over many generations. This rare but remarkably versatile grape adds a distinct lemon-citrus flavor that is quite different from what is imparted by chardonnay. 

In the cuverie, Thomas vinifies and ages his wine in stainless steel tanks and barrels with a minimal use of new oak, a method that preserves the true expression of each grape. For both first and second fermentations, Thomas employs proprietary yeast strains that were developed by the family and passed down through the generations. Originally cultivated from native yeasts found in their vineyards, these unique strains produce pure cuvées that express the distinctive terroir of the Côte des Bar with clarity and precision. 

These are exciting wines from the Aube, the likes of which we haven’t experienced before. Barbichon takes an ultra linear approach to its five-cuvée collection. Each one tells the same story of its limestone-rich Kimmeridgian soils, but from a different grape’s perspective. And we can’t wait for you to try them all! 

Shop the collection here.

Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature
Light-bodied + bone-dry

Rosé de Saignée
Structured + crisp

Blanc de Blancs
Expressive + minimally dosaged

Réserve 4 Cépages
Balanced + aromatic

Blanc de Noirs  
Bright + quintessentially Aubeoise