Georges Laval Garennes NV
LESS IS MORE WINESGeorges Laval
This tiny, impeccably run estate in Cumières is known only to a select few connoisseurs of champagne. You could drive through the village a hundred times without knowing it was there. Behind these simple, unassuming wooden doors, however, lies one of Champagne’s great treasures.
While the Laval family has been growing vines for four generations, Georges Laval began producing estate-bottled champagne in 1971. His son Vincent has been in charge of the cellars since 1996.
Two hectares are in the premier cru village of Cumières, spread over seven parcels. The average vine age is over 30 years, and the oldest vines of the estate are over 70 years of age.
The Lavals have been practicing organic viticulture since 1971, certified by Ecocert. “It’s a little more difficult to work organically than conventionally,” says Vincent Laval, “but it can be done, of course, and afterward you have a better conscience.”
Organic compost is used, and cover crops are planted in all of the plots, with regular tilling.