Champagne Charles Orban
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Country of Origin: France
Location: Troissy, Marne Valley
People: Rapeneau Family, Owners
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Over 250 Years of History at the Heart of the Troissy Terroir
History of the Domaine
Champagne Charles Orban has a history deeply rooted in the village of Troissy in the Marne Valley. The Orban family began growing grapes on the left bank of the Marne River in 1770, cultivating vineyards for nearly two centuries. In 1950, Charles Orban left the Troissy cooperative to establish his own Champagne house. With a commitment to independence, he built his own cave and installed a press to craft Champagnes that reflected his personal vision and style. The Orban family sold the estate to the Rapeneau family in 1996. Since then, the Rapeneau family has preserved the founding spirit of the Orban legacy while blending it with their extensive expertise. Read more about the Rapeneau Family Estates below.
Terroir
Nestled in the heart of Troissy, the Charles Orban estate thrives on clay-limestone soils typical of the Marne Valley. Renowned for its Pinot Meunier, the estate also cultivates all three Champagne grape varieties—Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir—ensuring authenticity and complexity in its vintages. Around 25 hectares of the estate's vineyards are certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (level 3), with a commitment to expanding sustainable practices across all plots. Benefiting from a temperate climate and varied exposure, the vines draw exceptional mineral richness, allowing the estate to produce wines that embody the essence of the Marne Valley.
Vinification
Champagne Charles Orban practices vinification terroir by terroir to preserve the unique characteristics of each vineyard plot. Blending is performed with meticulous care to highlight the extraordinary diversity of the region. As a grower producer, or Récoltant Manipulant (RM), Champagne Charles Orban adheres to strict RM regulations, producing estate wines on-site. While some production is labeled at the larger G.H. Martel facility, the wines remain true to their origins. Champagne Charles Orban retains 25% of its production for domestic consumption to ensure its legacy is celebrated in France while captivating international audiences.
The Rapeneau Family Estates
The Rapeneau Family Estates represent a pristine collection of Champagne brands, secured over four generations by the Rapeneau family. Today, their portfolio includes three Récoltant Manipulant estates and four Maisons (houses), making them the largest grower in Champagne. Family-owned and uniquely “Champenoise,” the Rapeneau family operates exclusively within the Champagne region, with no external investments.
Cellar Master and Oenologist Christophe Rapeneau leads the company, supported by his brother, Jean-François, who oversees sales and brand development. All three of Christophe’s sons are actively involved in the family business: two manage wineries alongside their father, while Jean-Remy represents Rapeneau Family Estates in North America.
Maisons:
• H. Martel & Sons: The family’s first acquisition in Épernay (1979), home to UNESCO World Heritage crayères (chalk cellars).
• Champagne Victoire: Premier cru cuvées crafted from family vineyards.
• Maison Charles de Cazanove: Acquired in 2003, based in Reims, with a strong international brand.
• Champagne Vieille France: A historic Côte des Blancs property purchased in 2003.
Récoltant-Manipulants (Grower Producers):
• Charles Orban: A legacy grower known for Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir from Troissy’s historic vineyards.
• Château de Bligny: Built in the 13th century by the Marquis de Dampierre, located in the historic and architecturally significant village of Bligny.
• P. Louis Martin: Founded in 1864 in Bouzy, specializing in Pinot Noir from this renowned region.
The Rapeneau family’s stewardship ensures a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability across their diverse portfolio, cementing their status as a cornerstone of Champagne excellence.