De Sousa

De Sousa is a prestigious Champagne house with rich Portuguese traditions. The family’s history began after World War I, when their ancestors settled in Avize. Initially, they were engaged in growing grapes for sale, but in the 1950s they decided to establish their own winery. The estate’s vineyards cover approximately 10 hectares. Chardonnay is cultivated in elite plots in the communes of Avize, Oger, Cramant, and Le Mesnil (Grand Cru Côte des Blancs). Pinot Noir is grown in Ay (Marne Valley) and Ambonnay (Montagne de Reims). The estate takes particular pride in its Grand Cru Avize plots, where ancient vines are planted in unique chalk soils. Replanting is done only when absolutely necessary, and the deep roots of the vines reach layers containing fossilized shells from an ancient sea. This is what gives the wines their characteristic salinity and minerality — the hallmark of the De Sousa style. The estate’s philosophy is based on deep respect for terroir and the стремление to accurately convey its uniqueness in wine. Over 70 years, the family has been perfecting organic and biodynamic methods, striving for ideal soil health. Their efforts were rewarded: in 2010, they received organic certification, and in 2013, the Demeter organization officially recognized the estate as biodynamic. Eric De Sousa, who led the winery since 1986, created a unique wine style. Unfortunately, in early 2023, he passed away at the age of 59 after a long illness. Now, his children — Charlotte, Julie, and Valentin — continue their father’s legacy, carefully preserving the traditions of the family house