From selling coal to making grower champagne : a family tale
In 1912, my great-grand-father, Charles Corbon moves in Avize where he works in a Champagne House. He acquires his first vines in the 20s, he is a "vendeur au kilo", this means he sells his grapes at harvest.
His son Albert is not interested in growing grapes. He settles down as a coal-seller in Avize. His wife Germain runs a café near the Avize-station.
In the 60s, Albert and his son, my dad Claude decide to make a living out of vines. But they remain "vendeur au kilo".
In the 70s, the economical crisis stops my father from being able to sell his grapes at a correct price. he decides to become a "récoltant-manipulant" and starts to make champagne.
He then develops a passion for Champagne-making which has not left him since. He soon realises that filtering and using of "colles" make thin watery Champagnes and stopped using these techniques focusing on a traditional, technology-free champagne-making-process and maked a genuine grower champagne.
In 1981, he starts his collection of vintages from Blanc de Blancs d'Avize. No vintage has been left out of it, even horrendous years ! (this might be the only cellar in Champagne region where you would find 1984 vintage !)
In 2006, after a few year spent as an engineer and a buyer in the food industry, I joined him in the cellar and in the vinyards, and I am proud to perpetuate a tradition of authenticity and craftsmanship.
Champagne Corbon
541, Avenue Jean Jaurès
51190 Avize
+33 9 66 42 34 93
- Site map
- Terms of use
- Terms and conditions
- Marketing Internet by WSI Depli
Drink Champagne sensibly.
