Pierre Gerbais

Champagne, France

Pierre Gerbais is a grower-producer based in Celles-sur-Ource, in the Côte des Bar — the southernmost part of Champagne, closer to Chablis than to Reims. The domaine has been family-run since the 18th century and today is led by Pierre-Emmanuel Gerbais, who took over from his father and has become one of the most exciting voices in the region.

What sets Gerbais apart is their commitment to Pinot Blanc, an almost forgotten Champenois grape variety, which features prominently in their cuvée L'Originale — widely regarded as a benchmark for the variety. They also work extensively with Pinot Noir, well-suited to the Kimmeridgian and Portlandian limestone soils of the Côte des Bar.

The approach in the cellar is precise and low-intervention: long lees ageing, minimal dosage, and a preference for expressing terroir over house style. Gerbais sits comfortably in the grower Champagne conversation alongside names like Laherte and Bérèche — producers who prioritise place and grape over volume and consistency.