Françoise Bedel

In a sleepy hamlet at the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne – the heartland of Pinot Meunier – Françoise Bedel is making refined, long-aged Champagnes.

The Bedels sold their grapes to local merchants until Françoise took over her family estate in 1979. One of Champagne’s earliest adopters of biodynamics, she diligently farms 8ha of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir by hand around Crouttes-sur-Marne.

Vinified in a combination of oak barrels and enamel tanks, Bedel’s wines undergo extended lees-ageing before being bottled with zero or extremely low dosage.

A blend of Bedel’s three grape varieties, ‘Origin’elle’ combines freshness with complex oxidative notes. ‘Vin Secret’ is suave and spicy, showcasing the elegant, fruit-forward character of Pinot Meunier. Generous and deeply layered, ‘Entre Ciel et Terre’ offers notes of honeyed apricot and smoke. Aged for 10 years sur lie, ‘L’Âme de la Terre’ is Bedel’s richest wine, balancing brioche-scented fruit with tingling acidity.

With Pinot Meunier finally starting to get the attention it deserves, and the spotlight firmly trained on quality-obsessed growers like Françoise, Bedel's wines are attracting more admirers with every release. This small parcel comes direct from her cellar.

Origin’elle 2017 (£70) Sold out
Richly perfumed with apples, nuts, honey, and chalky minerals

Vin Secret 2015 (£75) Sold out
Primary and floral, tinged with brioche – a crowd-pleaser

Entre Ciel et Terre 2015 (£90) Sold out
Juicy stone fruit layered with smoky and nutty nuances

L’Âme de la Terre 2010 (£110) Sold out
L’Âme de la Terre 2010 Magnum (£225) Sold out
Dried fruit, sweet spices, and subtle oxidative notes. Creamy and long.

Please note that this offer has expired, however you can check current stocks via the search bar or shop@shrinetothevine.co.uk