Thierry Fournier

Julien Fournier and his brother Max are transforming the quality of their family domaine with rich Pinot Meunier Grower Champagnes. After studying winemaking in Avize and working with Romaric Chavy of Meursault’s Domaine Chavy-Chouet, Julien joined Max taking over their father’s estate in 2020.

Based in the village of Festigny, the brothers farm 45 plots across 15ha in the Vallée de la Marne – the heartland of Pinot Meunier. With its amphitheatre shape and dense forested covering, locals compare this unique hillside terroir to Burgundy’s Corton Grand Cru. Introducing an organic, parcellaire approach, along with careful use of oak (sourced from Romaric Chavy and Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey) for vinification and élevage, Julien crafts full-bodied, gastronomic Champagnes with exquisite balance.

Aged for 48 months, ‘Réserve’ combines powerful berry flavours with a lifted floral character – a result of 40% reserve wines in the blend. ‘Rosé’ balances a serious, savoury dimension with bright summer fruit and piercing acidity. Aged for 72 months on its lees, Fournier’s richest wine – ‘Spéciale’ – shows mature fruit and a tingling acid spine. Pinot Meunier-based cuvées are some of the most talked about in Champagne, and Fournier’s are guaranteed winners for festive drinking.

Wild berries, baked apples, toasted almonds, chamomile – broad, rich, and creamy. 80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay, 48 months on lees