Mathieu Deshautels

In Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant, Mathieu Deshautels explores two distinctive expressions of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.

The saline tension of Le Mesnil finds its counterpart in the richness and depth of Cramant. From these Grand Cru villages, he creates generous Champagnes whose fine texture and lingering chalky character have captivated us from the very first bottles.

Before returning to his family’s vineyards, Mathieu trained in Burgundy, the Jura, Australia and South Africa. These experiences inform his personal approach to Champagne, where work in the vineyard and choices in the cellar are thoughtfully connected. Organic and biodynamic farming, close attention to the ripeness of the grapes and patient ageing all serve the same ambition: to give each terroir its fullest expression in the wine.

In the cellar, the juices undergo a light settling, fermentations begin with indigenous yeasts and the wines are aged in oak without added sulphur. Mathieu works by gravity and makes use of the natural cold of winter. He accompanies his wines with constant care, attentive both to their balance and to the way they evolve.

Premier Voyage, the blend of Le Mesnil and Cramant, holds an essential place in the domaine. Mathieu gives it the same care as his single-vineyard cuvées: each wine must fully express the quality of the grapes entrusted to it.

Our visit in July 2026 gave us an exhilarating tasting. The wines from the 2023 harvest are sublime: depth, remarkable brightness and a saline freshness that carries the flavours effortlessly through to the finish. Premier Voyage combines breadth and energy; Le Bateau unfolds with greater concentration, a chalky texture and beautiful bitter notes.

These are Champagnes that invite you to take your time, sit down at the table and let the conversation continue. Everything we love to share at French Theory.