Franck Bonville

It was Alfred Bonville who bought a couple of hectares at the beginning of the 20th century in Avize, in the Côte des Blancs. Later, Alfred moved his family to a house that had belonged to a winegrower, so the house was equipped with a press, wooden barrels, and a cellar. This caused Alfred to take things more seriously and he eventually started producing champagnes for commercial purposes. After World War II, his son Franck Bonville took over and at present, the 4th generation is at the helm.

The name of the region is probably a bit of a give away, for Bonville specializes in Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay champagnes. The grapes come from no less than 77 different plots, spread over the grand cru villages Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger. The total vineyard area covers 15 hectares. The environment and sustainability are key factors, in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. Pesticides are banned, rainwater is collected, and the right crops are planted for more biodiversity in the vineyard.

The portfolio includes eight Blanc de Blancs champagnes and one rosé. The latter is a blend of – evidently– mainly Chardonnay and a small amount of Pinot Noir. Fermentation and malolactic conversion take place in stainless steel tanks. Oak barrels were also introduced in the year 2000. This is where the reserve wines are stored. After the second fermentation, the bottles stay in the cellar for at least 2.5 years. The prestige cuvées, such as Les Belles Voyes, Pur Avize and Pur Oger, stay there for 6 years. The champagnes are lively, elegant, and layered. All beautiful champagnes!