Fully immerse yourself in the legacy of Champagne with a visit to Le Clos Corbier. Nestled within the prestigious Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, it is more than just a charming champagne B&B. Le Clos Corbier is a full experience that highlights local products, history, and savoir-faire. I was invited on their unique Champagne tours and wanted to share my experience with you.

Menu

Introduction

The Visits

The Stay

The Family Champagnes

Introduction

The history of Le Clos Corbier is fascinating. The charming buildings were built in the 19th century for champagne production. The 16th century cellars once belonged to the Château of the village. Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat purchased these from Maison Albert Valet, and produced their eponymous Champagne Philipponnat here for decades. While the champagne brand was eventually bought by a group and moved elsewhere, the descendants of the Philipponnat dynasty still reside here and produce champagne under their own family name: Champagne Collard-Milesi.

Today, Matthias Collard, winemaker and great-grandson of Philipponnat, founded Le Clos Corbier to provide the perfect escape for Champagne aficionados looking for something more than the average Champagne house visit. In addition to immersive tours, anyone is welcome to stop by for a glass or a bite at the restaurant.

The Visits

Le Clos Corbier’s Champagne tours are some of the most comprehensive in the region. In addition to seeing the original press, guests are guided through the cellars and winery. They also have the opportunity to wander through a vineyard featuring Champagne’s most iconic grape varieties. 

Of course, no tour is complete without a tasting. To really appreciate the family’s champagnes, guests are guided through a tasting workshop and have the chance to discover several different cuvées. 

I highly recommend upgrading to the lunch visit. It includes all of the above, plus a tasting of ratafia (exceptional small-batch liqueur only produced by a handful of winemakers) and Coteaux Champenois (the rare still wines of Champagne). Of course, this is enjoyed alongside a lunch prepared by a chef on-site using local ingredients. Examples of what might be on the menu include Pâté croûte champenois (a must-try) and AOP Langres (one of our most famous local cheeses).

Le Clos Corbier Champagne tours are small group visits (10 people maximum) and they do offer customized experiences. They are also equipped to host corporate seminars. Click here to book.

The Stay

During the summer, visitors can actually stay in the historic mansion. Four beautiful bedrooms are available, each with a queen-size bed, TV, free WiFi, and its own bathroom. Linens and toiletries included. 

Guests can also enjoy the comforts of a French garden and outdoor heated swimming pool – a rarity in Champagne!

The Family Champagnes

Champagne Guy Méa and Champagne Collard-Milesi are the Grand and Premier Cru bubblies available for tastings at Le Clos Corbier. They are the perfect comparisons proposed in the tastings because of their different styles.

Champagne Guy Méa is Pinot-Noir focused and gourmande (key word: Bouzy). Champagne Collard-Milesi is the new brand of Matthias Collard. Expect straight, piercing champagnes made with Chardonnay from the exceptional Côte des Blancs region.