From Family Roots to Independent Spark – An Introduction to Carré Frères
Édouard Carré, in close collaboration with his brother Victor, represent the new wave of terroir-focused Champenois producers. While steeped in family tradition, their project is distinct, dynamic, and modern.
Rooted in Legacy
Whilst the family can trace their winemaking history back to the 1890s, Édouard has only recently taken over operations, having honed his skills working alongside his parents for a decade before exploring his own path.
“In 2019, during the harvest, I wanted to make a Côteaux Blanc just to try… I ordered two small, 228l barrels to try something, and the result was good.”
Encouraged by that first experiment, in 2020 he launched a new brand: Maison Carré Frères, and his wines are fast gaining recognition among Grower Champagne enthusiasts.
Philosophy & Vinification Approach
A Bold Choice: New Wooden Barrels
Perhaps the most surprising and exciting part of Édouard’s process is his use of new oak barrels. This is exceedingly rare as it is all too easy for the oak to overwhelm the wine. Édouard explains the choice.
“We only use barrels, only new ones… every year there is like 30 to 50% new in all cuvées… I really like the taste of the wood.”
He warns that early release can taste very oaky, but when aged in cellars properly, the wood integrates beautifully. Their standard cuvée is matured two years in barrel before bottling.
Fermentation Strategy: The Best of Both Worlds
Édouard starts fermentation in stainless tanks for consistency, then transfers to barrels.
He inoculates with cultured yeast but relies on natural malolactic fermentation in oak; ensuring full conversion before blending.
Terroir in Focus: Single-Plot, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
La Maison Carré Frères produces exclusively single-plot (single-vineyard) cuvées, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They currently work with 23 hectares across the renowned villages of Trépail and Verzy in the Montagne de Reims with a strict adherence to sustainable farming (organic/biodynamic)
In summary...
Maison Carré Frères blends ancestral winemaking traditions with contemporary terroir expression. Édouard Carré:
- Championed single-plot precision.
- Insisted on oak integration, leaning into new barrels and controlled aging.
- Prioritized natural fermentation and long élevage, from vineyard to bottle.
What emerges is an identity-driven Champagne: expressive, elegant, and true to its village roots.
The new release: Carré Frères Le Champ des Maladries 2021 is available to pre-order now!