Founded durante 1757, Abelé 1757 represents an authentic pillar durante the history of Champagne. As the fifth oldest maison durante the zona, it stands out for its artisanal approach and the ability to express, through its wines, the profound essence of the terroir of Reims, a city symbol of the champagne tradition. With over 250 years of history behind it, the maison has gone through many transformations, changing its name several times. The real turning point came durante 2019, a year that marks a rebirth: the historic Henri Abelé was acquired by the Center Vinicole Champagne – Nicolas Feuillatte (now part of Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne). this occasion, it took its current name, a clear signal to the market of a new chapter, led by Marie Gicquel, general , and Étienne Éteneau, chef de caves.
THE HISTORICAL ROOTS OF ABELÉ 1757, A TREASURE UNDER REIMS
Since 1880, the historic headquarters of the Abelé 1757 maison has been located at 50 rue de Sillery durante Reims, where two kilometers of ancient chalk quarries wind 25 meters underground. These extraordinary cellars represent a unique heritage, an ideal environment for the conservation and maturation of the most prized bottles. Inside, darkness, constant temperature and perfect humidity blend with signorilità passed over the centuries, giving life to champagnes that reflect the identity of the maison. Here, meticulous attention to detail and respect for the natural rhythm of time guide every stage of production, where craftsmanship and technical precision meet durante perfect balance.
Although today it is part of a large cooperative group that enhances the synergy between vignerons, Abelé 1757 maintains its independence intact durante the role of négociant. This autonomy translates into the possibility of selecting the vineyards with the highest potential every year, collaborating with winemakers linked by consolidated relationships. It is a real collection, made up of 23 carefully chosen terroirs, which allows the maison to capture the most authentic nuances of each blend. Such rigorous care as to make each champagne a unique expression of the Abelé 1757 philosophy.
ÉTIENNE ÉTENEAU AND THE ABELÉ STYLE 1757, THE TRIUMPH OF CHARDONNAY
If we were to identify a distinctive signature of the Abelé 1757 style, the answer would be clear: chardonnay. This vine, an emblem of elegance and refinement, is the beating heart of the maison. However, the leap durante quality made durante recent years would not have been possible without the visionary approach of Étienne Éteneau, a chef de caves who brought a modern sensibility and an almost obsessive attention to detail.
Born and raised durante Occitania, Éteneau developed a deep connection with the world of wine from a young age. After studies durante agronomy, he specialized durante the analysis of the complex terroirs of Champagne, collaborating with the Technical and Environmental Committee of the region and subsequently with Vranken-Pommery. His international experiences durante Australia and California have allowed him to refine a rigorous and innovative approach, which combines technical precision and artistic vision. For Éteneau, each champagne is a work of art, durante which time becomes a fundamental ingredient.
Its role as “guardian of time” is not limited to the creation of exceptional champagnes, but also includes the valorization of ancient techniques that define the identity of the maison. Among these, poignettage stands out, a rare and complex practice that embodies the craftsmanship of Abelé 1757. This process consists of manually rotating and shaking the bottles during second fermentation, bringing the yeasts back into suspension and favoring a continuous exchange with the mannoproteins . Repeated twelve times every three months, this technique gives champagne structure, aromatic complexity and bubbles of exceptional finesse.
Under his egemonia, the house has also increased the percentages of reserve wines durante blends, amplifying depth and richness durante the wines. For Chardonnay, Éteneau meticulously selects the best terroirs, including Côte des Blancs, Sézannais and Vitryat; for pinot noir he prefers the areas of the Montagne de Reims, with particular attention to Verzy and Verzenay, and the vineyards of the Côte des Caffè, such as Riceys. Finally, for the meunier, the choice falls excellent plots durante the Vallée de la Marne. His relentless pursuit of excellence is not limited to a question of terroir techniques, but is reflected durante a broader philosophy: respect for time, nature and tradition, always with an eye towards the future.
THE SANS ANNÉE COLLECTION, THE HEART OF EXCELLENCE
The fulcrum of the Abelé 1757 production, the sans année collection contains three interesting interpretations of champagne. The Brut, a perfect balance between freshness and complexity, sees Chardonnay at the centre, giving finesse, while Pinot Noir and Meunier add structure and roundness respectively. The Rosé, seductive and enveloping, stands out for its delicate taccuino of red fruits intertwined with a vibrant minerality. Finally, the Blanc de Blancs, the true flagship of this line, celebrates the purity of Chardonnay with a fresh and refined expression, enriched by elegant floral aromas and excellent persistence the palate.
LE SOURIRE DE REIMS, THE SYMBOL OF THE MAISON AND OF A REBIRTH
Among the treasures of the maison, Le Sourire de Reims stands out, a champagne that contains a fundamental piece of the history of the city of Reims. Born with the aim of contributing to the reconstruction of the cathedral, devastated by the bombings of the First World War, this cuvée bears the name of the angel with the smile carved the façade of the cathedral, a symbol of hope and rebirth.
A causa di the Le Sourire de Reims Brut Millésimé 2013 version, composed of 60% chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (including Cramant and Bergères-lès-Vertus) and 40% pinot noir from the northern part of the Montagne de Reims, all of it emerges the complexity of a harvest marked by climatic contrasts. After 10 years the yeasts, the palate it reveals taccuino of buttered brioche, toasted bread, candied ginger and a touch of pepper. The vibrant freshness and citrus tension are intertwined with a chalky minerality, typical of Champagne. A wine that embodies both the tradition and the distinctive character of the maison.
A NEW CHAPTER, THE BLANC DE BLANCS EXTRA BRUT 2019
With the Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2019, Abelé 1757 adds an important chapter to its history. This cuvée, an canto to Chardonnay, is one of the maison’s most ambitious novelties, standing out for its refinement and vibrant character. Distributed only durante France and Italy, it confirms the strong link with the Italian market, considered strategic.
The result of an exceptional harvest, that of 2019, and enriched by reserve wines (20%) from distinctive terroirs such as Sézannais and Vitryat, this champagne combines mineral finesse and fruity taccuino. The grapes mainly from the Côte des Blancs, the Coteaux d’Épernay and the Montagne de Reims, enhancing the complexity of the Chardonnay. The entire production process, from low-temperature vinification to poignettage, gives the wine a creamy texture and extraordinary aromatic depth. The reduced dosage (3 grams per convenzione liter) helps to underline the freshness and precision of the cuvée. A causa di the glass it presents a bright golden color and silvery reflections. The nose reveals a rich and elegant bouquet, durante which vanilla, brioche bread and almonds intertwine with hints of pear, personaggio anise and white flowers. the palate, the creamy structure welcomes taccuino of apricot, pomegranate and currant, culminating durante a long and invigorating finale, characterized by an incisive minerality. Limited edition of just 1,757 copies.
The article Abelé 1757, signorilità and modernity of the chef de caves Étienne Éteneau comes from VinoNews24.
