Champagne Discovery

Our “Champagne of the Month” for August 2026 was created by Cédric Moussé who is situated in the village of Cuisles in the Western Vallée de la Marne. Cédric is among many young, excellent and innovative winemakers who together; ensure the region continues to produce World class wines. 

 

Whilst not certified, Cédric works organically and follows many biodynamic principles; working in accordance with the lunar calendar. He is the fourth-generation winemaker of a family that can trace its vine-growing roots back to 1750. His ethos since taking control of the family domaine in 2003 is one of sustainability which has overseen a huge transformation of the estate. A state-of-the-art winery with gravity-fed press ensures lower amounts of sulphur is required. Talking of sulphur, it is all natural and not a chemical byproduct. Among the vine, chemicals have been eschewed with herbal remedies preferred. Eco-grazing is carried out thanks to a menagerie of pigs, sheep and chickens. Most of the estate’s required water is provided by natural springs. Much of the roof space has been utilised for the siting of photovoltaic panels which ensures the majority of the estate’s electricity needs are met. Much of the vineyard fleet is electric powered, further reducing the carbon footprint and pollution. Cédric hasn’t stopped there; he uses the lightest bottles available on the market which is another key component in cutting CO2. Aluminium foil is no longer used to sheath the bottle neck with recycled paper being used instead. The bottle labels are also made from recycled paper and have been dyed using chalk. All in all, impressive sustainability credentials.

 

His winemaking is equally impressive, offering a range of vibrant, energetic; terroir-driven wines. The 2019 offering of “Les Terres d’Illite” is utterly delicious. Consisting of 80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir and named after the green clay that can be found beneath the very shallow, well-drained limestone marl topsoil; found across the domaine’s 9.5 hectares. The thick green clay is capable of retaining humidity even in very dry conditions which will be imperative following the drought conditions of Summer 2026! Harvest began on 17thSeptember and vinification with 36 months lees aging took place in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation was carried out and disgorgement took place on 21st December 2022 with 2.5gl dosage added. There is also a very low sulphur level of 11mg/l and the bottle was sealed with a natural cork. Alcohol is at 12% abv.

 

 

Tasted 15:15 Tuesday 4th August 2026 (fruit day in the lunar calendar) 

 

Glassware: Chef and Sommelier – Reveal’Up ‘Intense’.

 

Appearance: Clear, medium, lemon.

 

Characteristics: Pronounced intensity with primary aromas of honeysuckle, chamomile, green apple, apple compôte, gooseberry, pear, quince, chiku, grapefruit, orange, raspberry, wild strawberry, honeydew melon, passion fruit, pineapple, papaya, lychee, nectarine and stewed figs. There are secondary notes of pineapple tarte tartin, sablé, toast, short crust pastry, orange buttercream and crema Catalana. Tertiary aromas include dried apricot, dried apple, dried banana, marmalade, kerosene, cobnut, ginger, hay and honey.

 

Price circa €61.00 

 

Devastatingly, the domaine suffered a fire in July 2026 that may have been caused by photovoltaic panels on the roof of one of the winery buildings causing the loss of a large part of their production equipment along with reserve wines and aging stock.

 

Cédric wines have such energy, precision and tension. Lip-smackingly delicious, they offer generous fruit that leaves you wanting more. Do search them out, you will not be disappointed!