Champagne holds its breath until the Saints de Glace (Ice Saints) are safely past (11, 12, 13 May), dreading a spring freeze that might destroy the future harvest’s fruitful buds.
Desuckering removes the non-fruitful buds (suckers or gourmands). Any unwanted growth is removed to optimise sugar concentration and encourage good sap flow.
The Champagne month by monthChampagne wine enjoys international acclaim and is widely considered the most universally recognized symbol of France, with export markets in more than 190 countries. Some 65% of Champagne House production is destined for export.
In 1831, Auguste Boizel married Julie Martin, who came from a long line of Aÿ winegrowers dating back to the 17th century. In 1834 they founded Champagne Boizel, which is now into its fifth generation with brothers Lionel and Florent Roques-Boizel at the helm upholding the House’s motto: “Avec Boizel, la vie est belle” (with Boizel, life is beautiful).
The Champagne Houses