It is quite unique when a top winemaker in Champagne is also the mayor of one of the most outstanding municipalities in the region. But this is indeed true of Eric Rodez. In addition to his work as a Champagne producer, he was mayor of the exclusive village of Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims.
This additional public role gave him the opportunity to stand up for the environment and nature of Champagne, which is extremely close to his heart.
He is the 8th generation to run the small Champagne house, whose production, just 45000 bottles, is known to hardly anyone except knowledgeable insiders. But they make sure that the sign "sold out" hangs on the door pretty quickly, for the Champagnes of Eric Rodez are hard to beat in originality and authenticity.
Rodez has been producing Champagne since 1984, honing his craft with none other than Champagne legend Krug. The careful conversion to biodynamic viticulture began late in the 20th century and was completed a few years ago with certification.
Today he feels disturbed by the enormous yields other producers obtain from their vineyards. Respect for nature and the great tradition of Champagne are central to his approach and in this regard he makes a tremendous effort. He harvests only small yields from 35 individual plots, and each vineyard is vinified separately, mostly in wooden barrels.
Krug has internalized the great art of assemblage, but his portfolio also consists of single-vineyard Champagnes, the most famous of which comes from the Crayeres site in Ambonnay, or genuine terroir Champagnes, for which the grapes are harvested from different sites in a very narrowly defined area.
Fans and those interested, however, must patiently search for the few bottles on the market.
