Giving Meunier the spotlight

Some people swear by Chardonnay. Others have a soft spot for Pinot Noir. Alex Salmon has made it his mission to show what Meunier is really capable of.

Champagne Salmon is a family estate in Chaumuzy, in the Vallée de l'Ardre. It all started in 1958, when Alex's grandfather Michel produced his first 500 bottles. His father Olivier gradually expanded the estate, and today Alex continues the family story, with a particular obsession: bringing Meunier out of the shadows.

Around 85% of the family's 10 hectares is planted with this often-underestimated grape. The vineyards sit on clay-limestone soils, and Alex works with low yields and careful, parcel-by-parcel vinification to bring out their different characters.

And those differences can be remarkable. Even neighbouring plots can produce completely different wines: one generous and round, another floral, fresh and full of tension. Alex's Champagnes explore this diversity, from juicy and approachable expressions to complex, mineral and age-worthy bottles.

There's another family passion besides Champagne: hot-air ballooning! The Salmons are enthusiastic balloon pilots, and their love of flying has found its way onto their labels.

Three generations, plenty of Meunier, and a good reason to look beyond the usual Champagne suspects.