Portraits of winemakers

DIDIER GIORIA, CHAMPAGNE GIORIA LATIZEAU: LIVELY, FRUITY CHAMPAGNES

Meeting His Owner Didier Gioria

Didier’s Deep Connection with Champagne

For Didier, champagne is almost like a second skin. The son of a winemaker, he did his first harvests as a teenager and joined the vineyards full-time right after high school.

"I learned the trade of winemaking alongside my father. A few years later, I had the opportunity to take over the family estate," Didier shares.

Champagnes Aged for a Minimum of 18 Months

Spanning 9 hectares of vineyards, Champagne Gioria Latizeau’s estate consists of 1.80 hectares of owned vines and 8 additional hectares rented. As a cooperant-grower in Saulchery, Didier aims to impart a unique spirit to his champagnes.

His entry-level champagne, priced at 20 euros per bottle, undergoes a 30-month aging process, nearly double the minimum time required by the appellation’s specifications (15 months).

Favoring lively and fruity champagnes without excessive sugar, the winemaker cultivates the three main Champagne grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

Vines Managed with Sustainable Practices

Committed to sustainable viticulture, Didier uses very few chemical inputs to treat his vines, aiming for optimal grape quality. The climatic challenges of Champagne and the workload don’t deter him:

"It’s not easy every day, but at least our champagnes come from environmentally respectful cultivation, which is an essential criterion for me."

Gold Medal for the “Blanc de Blanc” Cuvée

This year, Didier proudly received his very first award, as his “Blanc de Blanc” champagne was honored with a gold medal at the 2017 Challenge International du Vin.

"It was the first time I participated in a wine competition. I don’t regret it!"

Open year-round, 7 days a week, Didier happily welcomes wine enthusiasts traveling along the wine route to discover his champagnes. The winemaker is also planning to introduce a new addition to his range: a Blanc de Noirs cuvée, made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

The cuvée was showcased at Vinexpo Bordeaux 2017. Initial feedback has been quite positive, but Didier remains cautious as it is still a bit early to make a final judgment.