5/22/26 - 

Before a recent trip to Champagne of all the producer visits planned, I was most excited to see Champagne Gallois-Bouché. The wines were very new to the U.S. from just a few months before and I hadn't gotten the opportunity to taste the wines. Leaving France I had a much better grasp and admiration for these stunning Champagnes from Vertus, but sadly there wasn’t much wine in stock and it didn’t seem fair to send out an introduction to these wines without the full lineup and some quantity available to spread the love. Well, the time has come that I can now properly introduce the Champagnes from Guillaume Gallois of Gallois-Bouché. After just a few minutes of listening to Guillaume (photo above), you can sense his passion and love for his family's vines and winemaking. After tasting through his wines, the sheer talent he has is evident, and in addition to fantastic vineyard sites.

What feels most wild is that he has a full-time job working at Bollinger. And as for how he does it all? His father farms all of the family's 3.4 hectares of vines in Vertus and he makes the wines on his evenings and days off. For years Guillaume worked alongside Fabrice Gass (of Alexandre Filaine) and when Fabrice retired, Guillaume filled his role. Similar to that of his mentor, these wines are ones of power and confidence. The two might not work together anymore but they are still close and continue to collaborate. Although the Bouché family has been tending vines in Vertus for over a century, it wasn’t until Guillaume began to make wines in 2013 that they became a récoltant-manipulant (grower producer). At first everything was sold to friends and family, but we are excited that these are now imported and in stock!

Guillaume's father overlooking the family vineyards

I have now enjoyed my fair share of these wines both in Champagne and stateside and I only have the best things to say about them. I was even so enthralled during our visit that I barely took down many notes, something that I can say has only happened to me twice in all my visits throughout different wine regions. This only occurs when I am so engrossed in what a winemaker is saying that I forget about having a pen and paper in my hand and just try to live in the moment and absorbe the experience. Between the walks through some of his vineyards, tasting his vin clair out of both barrel and tank, and then having some freshly disgorged bottles, there was a clear vision at the winery of making Champagnes of concentration and expression while representing the terroir. This visit was incredibly memorable, and I am so excited to share Guillaume’s story and wines with you today. I revisited the lineup just a week or so ago and took more detailed tasting notes to share with you all and wow where these wines singing!

-Hanna Krilov Cohen

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NV Préface Vertus Premier Cru Brut
A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from 50% 2022 and 50% reserve wines (2021-2019). It is aged sur lattes for about 30 months before getting 7.5 g/L dosage. Don't be afraid, this wine is perfectly balanced. A Champagne of texture, power, and opulence that still has freshness and a bright lemony finish. Perfect to serve on its own or great with poultry and all seafood.

NV Nos Terres Blanches Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut
A Blanc de Blancs made of 100% Chardonnay that is a blend of 50% 2022 and 50% reserve wine, half of which is vinified in oak with the other half in tank. Grown on deep chalk soils in Vertus. Aged 24-36 months sur lattes before 6g/L dosage. This wine has beautiful minerality with notes of lemon and green apple that finishes with purity and a bit of salinity. This wine will pair particularly well with seafood, both raw and cooked. This label features his father’s fingerprint as he explained how his father has a touch on all his wines. 

2017 Le Main Sur La Coeur Brut
A blend of 67% Chardonnay with 33% Pinot Noir from the premier cru vineyards of Vertus. The wine is aged entirely in barrel for 8 months before spending 36+ months sur lattes. Disgorged with 3.5g/L dosage. A Champagne of insane purity of fruit and a fine toned stony minerality. Chalky and elegant, this is a showstopping wine! Perfect alongside seafood, or grilled vegetables and poultry, perfect for drinking all year long.

2021 Coteaux Champenois Rouge Garage
Lastly is maybe the best Coteaux Champenois I have tasted yet! From the plot Les Ferlandes in Vertus. 100% Pinot Noir that is cold macerated for 7 days and then fermented and aged in used oak barrels for 12 months. This wine is incredibly lively with notes of cherry, cranberry, and an undertone of spice. It is just so delicious. This wine is incredibly limited.