Based in Vandières in the Vallée de la Marne, the estate has been in the family since 1795, but it’s Flavien Nowack who took over in 2011, driving things forward today.

Flavien’s focus is on expressing site and variety with precision. His first move? Showcasing Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from three single parcels, all at the same elevation in Vandières. Soils here are mainly sand and clay, with 6 cuvées now made from 7ha of vines.

In the cellar, everything is geared toward transparency and energy: slow pressing (via a technique developed with his uncle), ageing on lees in barrel, and secondary fermentation under cork, not crown cap, which brings texture and depth. Dosage, if used, is done with grape must to preserve freshness.

He also thinks beyond the bottle. Since 2018, he’s planted over 100 trees around his vineyards to promote biodiversity and long-term soil health.