The story of Lacourte-Godbillon is one of true dedication to the land, where generations have cultivated not just vines, but a way of life. Hailing from the Premier Cru village of Écueil, on the western flank of the Montagne de Reims, the Lacourte and Godbillon families have been intertwined with Champagne for over a century.
Originally, both families grew grapes for the great Champagne houses. It was hard work, from dawn until dusk, driven by passion and a deep respect for the vineyard. In 1947, they took a bold new step, bottling their own champagne under the Lacourte-Labasse and Godbillon-Marie names — filling car boots with bulk orders for loyal customers.
The brand we know today, Lacourte-Godbillon, was established by the next generation in 1968, slowly growing from a few thousand bottles into a name celebrated for its craftsmanship and authenticity.
In 2006, Richard and Karine left their executive city jobs to return to their roots, embracing a life among the vines. Their approach is deeply thoughtful: 20.5 acres of Premier Cru vineyards, planted to 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, are farmed sustainably by their own team. Every stage of vine care, from winter ploughing to meticulous pruning, is done by hand with a focus on natural balance and biodiversity. Chemical treatments are avoided entirely, keeping the soils and vines healthy and alive.
The cellar philosophy mirrors the care shown in the vineyard. Each plot is vinified separately, using gravity wherever possible to preserve purity. Fermentations are carefully controlled, with ageing taking place on lees to build depth and complexity. Wines matured in oak barrels draw wood exclusively from the local Écueil forest, further connecting the wine to its place of origin. Bottles rest in their cellars for up to seven years before release, with dosage individually trialled to ensure the perfect balance.
Lacourte-Godbillon champagnes are not just wines — they are a genuine reflection of their terroir, a living testament to family heritage, and an expression of Champagne’s enduring craftsmanship.
Lacourte-Godbillon Terroirs d'Ecueil Premier Cru
Lacourte-Godbillon • Non Vintage
Club Member Price: $122.55 (?)
What to expect
There is something about Eceuil pinot noir that always keeps you coming back for another sip. On our tasting day, we uncovered lots of yellow fruit with toast on the nose. This is quite typical from this village so the expression is definitely there.
The palate is tangy with a play between Kumquat and citron preserve. It also has a softer more approachable acid profile than the Pierre Paillard wine. Tasted even better the next day, if you can survive that long.
Technical details
Ecueil has diverse sub-soils from the Sandy plots over deep chalk to 'sparnacian clay' and shallow chalk at the bottom of the hillsides. The base for this wine is from the 2014 year and pulling some reserves from 2013. The vines are an average age of 30 years old. All 8 hectares are farmed organically.
About the house
The story of this house began in 1947 when after the second world war, Geraldine's parents decided to focus on viticulture and making the best champagne that they could. The first vintage was made in 1968 at a mere 1,000 cases which were quickly sold. It wasn't until 2006 that Geraldine and her husband Richard came into the family business from their high-flying city jobs to take the reins and turn it into the modern house it today.
Lacourte-Godbillon are considered purists and are a true 'grower-producer' (récoltant manipulant) with control of all levels of growing and production. They farm 8 hectares of Pinot Noir (85%) and Chardonnay (15%) in the premier cru village of Ecueil on the Montagne de Reims. These are vinous wines of nerve and tension with an invigorating streak of minerality. A new generation producer with deep historical roots, this house is not complacent on selling the name of Champagne alone; quality, ambition and flair are key at this address.
Food suggestion
On our travels to champagne we came across seared scallops with butter and herbs. That seems like just the right sort of dish to work with this wine. Add in a little risotto rice, porcini mushroom and olive oil to set off some of those tangy, mineral tones.
Maker
Lacourte-GodbillonStyle
Non VintageDosage
Brut
Lacourte-Godbillon • Non Vintage
Club Member Price: $122.55 (?)
What to expect
There is something about Eceuil pinot noir that always keeps you coming back for another sip. On our tasting day, we uncovered lots of yellow fruit with toast on the nose. This is quite typical from this village so the expression is definitely there.
The palate is tangy with a play between Kumquat and citron preserve. It also has a softer more approachable acid profile than the Pierre Paillard wine. Tasted even better the next day, if you can survive that long.
Technical details
Ecueil has diverse sub-soils from the Sandy plots over deep chalk to 'sparnacian clay' and shallow chalk at the bottom of the hillsides. The base for this wine is from the 2014 year and pulling some reserves from 2013. The vines are an average age of 30 years old. All 8 hectares are farmed organically.
About the house
The story of this house began in 1947 when after the second world war, Geraldine's parents decided to focus on viticulture and making the best champagne that they could. The first vintage was made in 1968 at a mere 1,000 cases which were quickly sold. It wasn't until 2006 that Geraldine and her husband Richard came into the family business from their high-flying city jobs to take the reins and turn it into the modern house it today.
Lacourte-Godbillon are considered purists and are a true 'grower-producer' (récoltant manipulant) with control of all levels of growing and production. They farm 8 hectares of Pinot Noir (85%) and Chardonnay (15%) in the premier cru village of Ecueil on the Montagne de Reims. These are vinous wines of nerve and tension with an invigorating streak of minerality. A new generation producer with deep historical roots, this house is not complacent on selling the name of Champagne alone; quality, ambition and flair are key at this address.
Food suggestion
On our travels to champagne we came across seared scallops with butter and herbs. That seems like just the right sort of dish to work with this wine. Add in a little risotto rice, porcini mushroom and olive oil to set off some of those tangy, mineral tones.
Maker
Lacourte-GodbillonStyle
Non VintageDosage
Brut
