On the slopes of Rizaucourt, Champagne lives a unique story shaped by the passion and expertise of Adeline and Nicolas Bass. These winegrowers, coming from successive generations of harvesters-manipulators, embody an authentic approach deeply rooted in their terroir. As the days of the Champagne Route approach, scheduled for August 1st and 2nd, 2026, it is an opportunity to go behind the scenes of their vineyard, to understand the multiple steps that transform a simple grape into this sparkling wine synonymous with celebration and emotion. Their estate, located in the heart of Haute-Marne, demonstrates a commitment to quality and tradition, while constantly aiming for innovation around wine.

Since their first participation in 2016, Adeline and Nicolas have continuously developed their production which is based on a dual operation totaling 10 hectares. Each in their own way, with Adeline returning to the family farm between 2021 and the marketing of her own cuvées in 2023, the couple shares their expertise stemming from advanced training and rich experiences. With two distinct structures but a shared production logistics, they create a synergy favorable to the expression of the terroir and the diversity of champagnes offered.

The Champagne Route event thus stands as a real open window into the meticulous work carried out throughout the year. It is not only an invitation to tasting but also to the detailed discovery of the harvest, winemaking, and care given at each stage of the vine cycle. Through this experience, the public is brought close to the winegrowers who primarily want to transmit their passion with transparency and pedagogy. The realization of this quest for excellence is also reflected in original cuvées, such as Bass Ice or the blanc de blancs aged in oak foudre, revealing all the diversity of aromas and the finesse of the sparkling Champagne wine.

The passion of Adeline and Nicolas Bass for crafting an authentic Champagne respectful of the terroir

At the heart of their vineyard in Rizaucourt, Adeline and Nicolas Bass cultivate a constant demand for quality, typicity, and expression of the Champagne terroir. This attachment finds its source in a deeply rooted family history, combined with a modern desire to valorize the terroir in its uniqueness. Indeed, the terroir of Haute-Marne, classified by UNESCO, offers an exceptional setting where the limestone soil and the topography favor the slow ripening of the grapes, essential for the finesse of the produced champagnes.

Sustainable viticulture forms the cornerstone of their philosophy. The couple manages their 10 hectares with attentive agriculture, minimizing chemical inputs to preserve both the local biodiversity and the quality of the grapes. This approach relies on constant observation of the vines throughout the seasons and on precise interventions adapted to each vine stock. The health of the vineyard and the balance of the grapes are thus ensured, allowing the production of wines where minerality and freshness are fully expressed.

Harvesting plays a crucial role in transmitting the quality of the terroir to the bottle. In 2026, the date and method of harvest were carefully chosen, taking into account the unique climatic conditions observed in recent years. This particular care fits within a logic where each step, from harvest to vinification, contributes to revealing an exceptional sparkling wine. Adeline and Nicolas personally supervise these phases, ensuring the grapes are picked at optimal maturity, often by hand, to guarantee rigorous sorting and fruit integrity.

Vinification, carried out in a building shared by both operations, respects traditional methods while integrating technical innovations that optimize the fermentation work and aroma extraction. Modern vat rooms, combined with delicate pressing, notably allow obtaining clear musts essential for clean and effective fermentation. The preservation of juices in oak foudres or adapted stainless steel vats then reveals the aromatic dimension and the complexity sought in the different cuvées.

Adeline, with her training in viticulture and oenology, provides precise technical insight, applied notably to the vinification of the blanc de blancs aged in oak foudre. Nicolas, for his part, highlights his professional knowledge acquired since 2009, when he settled in, starting from scratch to gradually build a loyal clientele sensitive to the sincerity of their work.

This shared passion also expresses itself in the very organization of the estate, where visitor reception is designed to enhance proximity and exchange with the public, especially during events such as the Champagne Route. They indeed consider that revealing the secrets of Champagne primarily passes through these moments of sharing, essential for appropriating a universe often perceived as complex.

The Champagne Route: an immersive experience in the world of Adeline and Nicolas Bass

Each year, the Champagne Route establishes itself as an unmissable event for all enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge of the Champagne vineyard. Adeline and Nicolas Bass first participated in this event in 2016 and enthusiastically reprise this initiative in 2026, with the experience and confidence acquired.

This event simply aims to reveal in detail the winegrower’s profession, the diversity of practices, and the complex steps of producing a sparkling wine recognized worldwide. For visitors, it is an opportunity to explore the backstage of the estate, with a tour organized along the key installations:

• Visit to the press, which reveals the delicacy of the pressing conditioning the quality of the musts
• Discovery of the vat rooms where fermentation operates with rigor and precision
• Presentation of the aging rooms and reserves, where the bubbles develop patiently
• Tastings of various cuvées according to preferences, from traditional brut to Bass Ice
• Introductory workshops to understand the specificities of winemaking and the Champagne terroir

Within an outdoor reception area, tastings are offered to appreciate the diversity of champagnes from the two operations. Adeline will proudly showcase her blanc de blancs, marked by an aging in oak foudre which brings depth and finesse, while Nicolas will notably present the Bass Ice, a young, fresh, and original wine that has been gaining growing success in recent years, especially when served with syrup, offering a unique sensory experience.

This event thus brings together visitors from across the region and often beyond, with up to 10,000 people during the first edition in Rizaucourt. While the public’s success remains strong, it is also a great opportunity for the Bass duo to consolidate their long-term clientele, building loyalty among enthusiasts won over by the quality and authenticity of the cuvées offered.

A living vineyard: from harvest to vinification, mastery of every stage of Champagne

The key to excellence in Champagne lies in a fine understanding and rigorous mastery of all production phases, from vine to bottle. At Adeline and Nicolas Bass, each step is marked by total commitment, mixing tradition and innovation. The in-depth knowledge of terroirs and the consideration of recent climatic conditions, particularly the increasing hazards like drought, guide viticultural practices in 2026 to ensure the sustainability of the local viticultural heritage.

The 2026 harvest, for example, was precisely scheduled to optimize grape quality in a particular meteorological context. Sorting in the vineyard and in the winery remains a fundamental step, ensuring that only intact and perfectly ripe fruits are used for vinification. The delicate pressing, carried out on-site in the estate’s modern presses, offers a must of remarkable purity, which constitutes a guarantee of finesse for future cuvées.

Each cuvée also requires specific treatment during fermentation, which varies according to the desired profiles. For example, Adeline’s aging in oak foudre highlights woody nuances where the aromas of chardonnay shine with elegance, while Nicolas’s vinification favors a fresher, fruitier, and more accessible style, particularly with the Bass Ice range, designed for fresh and light convivial moments.

Vinification methods combine traditional Champagne techniques – secondary fermentation in bottle, blending, dosage – with innovations respectful of the natural characteristics of the grapes. These choices allow the expression of the aromatic complexity of the terroir in each vintage, while ensuring consistent quality.

This perfectionist approach is also reflected by relying on a small but experienced team, capable of intervening at every stage, from harvest to bottling. Seasonal workers who reinforce the team during peak periods fully participate in the collective and human dynamic supporting the vineyard all year round. This collaboration underscores how the crafting of Champagne is a shared adventure, combining technical expertise and sensitivity to nature.

Exceptional cuvées from Adeline and Nicolas Bass: a sensory journey between tradition and modernity

Far from settling for a single style, the Bass houses offer a diverse range of champagnes reflecting their multidimensional expertise. This richness is expressed through emblematic cuvées, each offering a specific character and an original tasting experience.

The range offered extends from traditional brut, balanced and harmonious, to bolder creations such as Bass Ice, a champagne designed to be enjoyed very chilled, often accompanied by an aromatic syrup.

Among the flagship cuvées are:

• The blanc de blancs, aged in oak foudre, highlights the finesse of chardonnay with toasted notes and a beautiful acidic tension.
• The classic brut, a perfect compromise between fruitiness and freshness, appeals to purists seeking an authentic and accessible champagne.
• The vintage cuvées, which embody the precise craftsmanship of the estate over particular years, emphasizing climatic influences and the aromatic richness of the terroir.
• The special editions such as Bass Ice, intended for casual but refined consumption, especially appreciated by younger generations and in relaxed festive moments.

The complexity of aromas and the quality of vinification make these champagnes true ambassadors of the terroir. Their character—whether gourmand, fruity, or mineral—varies according to the grape variety and the aging method. This diversity perfectly illustrates the fundamental role of the winegrowers in enhancing a product of exception with a strong identity.

Constant quality control, consistency in work, and thoughtful innovation allow Adeline and Nicolas to position their cuvées among the references of sparkling wine in the region. The estate also benefits from increased visibility thanks to recognized events within the Champagne sector and specialized recommendations, which highlight the value of these champagnes from a living and demanding vineyard.

Sustainable initiatives and warm welcome at the Bass estate, an experience to live in Champagne

Beyond production and vinification, Adeline and Nicolas Bass also develop actions in favor of the environmental and social sustainability of their vineyard. In a context where viticulture faces numerous climatic challenges, notably the frequent drought episodes in the region, they have integrated adapted practices that contribute to soil preservation and natural resource management.

These initiatives include:

• Sustainable agriculture with the adoption of reduced organic practices, reducing chemical treatments, and enhancing biodiversity in the plots to foster a balanced ecosystem.
• Water management optimized through moisture conservation methods and rational irrigation, essential for facing climatic constraints without compromising grape quality.
• Carbon footprint reduction by using less energy-consuming equipment and promoting short circuits for product marketing.
• Reception and transmission via educational visits and workshops that allow the public to immerse themselves in the history, know-how, and issues of the Champagne terroir.

Each visit to the Bass estate is a genuine encounter, an invitation to share the passion for Champagne in a friendly and authentic setting. The couple ensures a personalized welcome for visitors, where exchange is central, allowing everyone to better understand the complexity of the sparkling wine they craft with care.

Whether during the Champagne Route, private tastings, or specific events, Adeline and Nicolas share a unique moment, revealing a living heritage, a renewed tradition, and a burning passion. This total commitment helps make the journey to Champagne a durably memorable experience.

How does the harvest take place at Adeline and Nicolas Bass?

The harvest is generally done by hand, at the optimal moment of grape maturity to ensure impeccable quality. Rigorous sorting is carried out to select only the best grapes intended for vinification.

What are the particularities of Bass Ice?

Bass Ice is a champagne designed to be enjoyed very chilled, sometimes accompanied by violet syrup, which gives it remarkable freshness and originality, appreciated during convivial moments.

Why is the Champagne Route important for the Bass estate?

The Champagne Route allows the estate to open its doors to the public, revealing the meticulous work from vine to bottle, and creating a lasting bond with a loyal clientele.

How does the Bass estate integrate environmental issues into its production?

The estate adopts sustainable practices such as reducing chemical treatments, improving biodiversity, managing water rationally, and reducing the carbon footprint to ensure responsible viticulture.