The Wines of Julien Prelat

Julien Prelat

Champagne

Don't miss Karine Prelat's bottlings!

"I am aware I am simply borrowing the lands I have inherited; I am faithful to this principle, cultivating my vines and developing my wines durably and sustainably. "- Julien Prelat

Such simple words yet filled with meaning, the inspired and talented Aube producer Julien Prelat's wines have clearly been imbued with this passion. The third generation of his family to tend the vines in Celles sur Ource, Julien and his wife Karine were the first of the Prelat surname to craft their own wines - the first vintage was 2010. Very much in the fashion of his friend Cedric Bouchard, Julien's vision is to not blend anything - one grape, one vineyard, one vintage.

Though he was born and raised in Champagne, it was in Julien's travels and education in Alsace & Beaujolais that largely informed his winemaking and embracing of a wealth of varietals. "I loved Burgundy in school," Julien admits, "But in Alsace I was impacted more by the grapes - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer - and wanted to find something between these two." Julien's early vintages, he sold as Vin Clair to a Maison, as Julien had no cellar, no winery left from his family. Within time, he began to accumulate enough equipment to bottle his own Champagne, starting with a humble 6000 bottles; today the Julien Prelat label will bear almost 30,000 bottles each year.

Julien's 7 hectares throughout the Aube have soils similar to what you'd see in Chablis - Kimmeridgian soils defined by the fossilized seashells throughout, all of which add a distinct minerality and pleasant salinity to the wines. As with a great Burgundy, the wines of the Aube broaden and become more vinous with air, and the same is true for Julien's wines. Presle may sound familiar as it is the same terroir as Cedric's wine of the same name, though Prelat's is entirely Chardonnay. La Lemblée consists of Pinot Blanc, and there is also a rare Pinot Gris called Les Côtes, from similarly-positioned terroirs to Presle. Les Vignes Basses is a Meunier-only cuvée, and two versions of Chantemerle are crafted - one a Blanc de Noirs, the other a Rosé, both of Pinot Noir. We are incredibly proud to bring to the market Julien's vintage wines - Les Reines (100% Chardonnay) and a Millesime, a tiny-production, barrel-fermented Pinot Noir.

Special attention should also be paid to the new wines of Karine Prelat, under whose label they have crafted three still wines from her family's vineyards in Riceys.

Viticulture & VInification

In the vineyard, Julien and Karine are ever-present, guiding the vines through each phase of the growing cycle. Only organic fertilizers are used, and the land is worked by hand, using small plows and tilling in between vines.

The wines are mostly vinified in stainless steel tanks to best control their temperatures, ensuring a more fine, complex wine. Beyond that, the elevage is done in the most natural way possible - the wines will age in fût de chêne, essentially Burgundy barrels, on their natural lees. The wines will be tasted throughout and sent to bottle for tirage when deemed ready.

In regards to the dosage for his wines, rarely will you see one with zero dosage - they do exist, but it is very much a crucial part of Julien & Karine's work to ensure the wine is framed perfectly, and if that means more or less sugar in the final wine, what's important is the taste and feel. "The number is not important," says Julien, "We taste 4-5 bottles blind, and will taste until it pops - 'Whoa! That's good!' - that's the feeling we want. Balance is most important, making it better and keeping freshness." There is no dogma, no rubric - just make good wine!

Julien Prelat is a producer that has recently become an absolute favorite. His single vineyard, single varietal bottlings create a perfect balance between profundity, depth of fruit and the mineral-laden tension that all the best Champagnes possess. He seeks perfection in his wines, yet remains humble in realizing that his vineyards will provide for him.

Current Releases

The Wines of Julien Prelat

Presle Blanc de Blancs

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs

CT

88

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay, 2022 harvest

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 6700 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 3 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne (2021 Base)

NV Julien Prelat, Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne (2021 Base)

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Meunier, 2021 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 1986

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 750 bottles, 48 magnums, 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

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La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne (2019 Base)

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne (2019 Base)

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Blanc, 2019 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 2000, 0.5 hectares.

SOIL Kimmeridgian & clay2

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1040 bottles, 55 magnums & 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 2 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

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Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne (2022 Base)

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne (2022 Base)

CT

89

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Noir

VINE AGE Planted in 1982

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 7300 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Les Reines Brut Nature, Champagne

Millesime Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

2019 Julien Prelat, Millesime Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

2019 Julien Prelat, Millesime Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Noir sourced from Chantemerle

VINE AGE Planted in 1982

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in 3-year-old Burgundy barrels

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1377 bottles, 55 magnums & 10 jeroboams

DOSAGE 2 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Les Cotes Blanc de Gris, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Les Cotes Blanc de Gris, Champagne (2021 Base)

NV Julien Prelat, Les Cotes Blanc de Gris, Champagne (2021 Base)

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Gris, 2021 harvest

VINE AGE 23 ares Planted in 2017

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1586 bottles, 48 magnums, 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 3 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

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Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne

2020 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne

2020 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in 3-year-old Burgundy barrels.

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1470 bottles, 81 magnums & 10 jeroboams

DOSAGE Brut Nature

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Chantemerle Gourmandise Rose, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Gourmandise Rose, Champagne (2022 Base)

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Gourmandise Rose, Champagne (2022 Base)

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Noir, 2022 harvest - 10% Coteaux Champenois contributes the colo.

VINE AGE Planted in 1982

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1510 bottles, 90 magnums

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Presle Blanc de Blancs

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs (Disgorged 2022)

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs (Disgorged 2022)

CT

88

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay, 2022 harvest

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 6700 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 3 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs 1.5L

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs 1.5L

CT

88

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay, 2022 harvest

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 6700 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 3 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs 1.5L

NV Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs 1.5L

CT

88

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay, 2022 harvest

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 6700 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 3 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne 1.5L

NV Julien Prelat, Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne 1.5L

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Meunier, 2021 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 1986

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 750 bottles, 48 magnums, 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Les Vignes Basses Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Meunier, 2021 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 1986

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 750 bottles, 48 magnums, 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Blanc, 2019 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 2000, 0.5 hectares.

SOIL Kimmeridgian & clay2

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1040 bottles, 55 magnums & 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 2 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 1.5L (Disgorged 2022)

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 1.5L (Disgorged 2022)

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Blanc, 2019 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 2000, 0.5 hectares.

SOIL Kimmeridgian & clay2

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1040 bottles, 55 magnums & 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 2 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 1.5L

NV Julien Prelat, La Lemblee Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 1.5L

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Blanc, 2019 harvest

VINE AGE Planted in 2000, 0.5 hectares.

SOIL Kimmeridgian & clay2

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 1040 bottles, 55 magnums & 10 jeroboams.

DOSAGE 2 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne

CT

89

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Noir

VINE AGE Planted in 1982

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 7300 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 1.5L

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 1.5L

CT

89

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Noir

VINE AGE Planted in 1982

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 7300 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 1.5L

NV Julien Prelat, Chantemerle Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 1.5L

CT

89

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Pinot Noir

VINE AGE Planted in 1982

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in stainless

BOTTLES PRODUCED 7300 bottles, 120 magnums & 5 jeroboams

DOSAGE 4 g/L

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Les Reines Brut Nature, Champagne

2017 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne 1.5L

2017 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne 1.5L

CT

90

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in 4-year-old Burgundy barrels

DOSAGE Brut Nature

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

Millesime Blanc de Noirs, Champagne

Les Cotes Blanc de Gris, Champagne

Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne

2018 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne

2018 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne

2017 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne 1.5L

2017 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne 1.5L

CT

90

ASSEMBLAGE 100% Chardonnay

VINE AGE 18 years

SOIL Kimmeridgian

ELEVAGE Fermented in 4-year-old Burgundy barrels

DOSAGE Brut Nature

DISGORGEMENT March 2024

2017 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne 1.5L

2017 Julien Prelat, Les Reines Brut Nature Vintage, Champagne 1.5L

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Chantemerle Gourmandise Rose, Champagne