Date and Time
- Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 5pm - 7pm
Location
Flatiron Wines & Spirits
2 New Montgomery St
Details
Wednesday, November 19th | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Cellar Room
Join us for an intimate seminar with Eric Rodez, eighth-generation owner and winemaker of Champagne Eric Rodez (champagne-rodez.fr, @champagnericrodez), imported by Charles Neal Selections (charlesnealselections.com, @charlesnealselections). This is a rare opportunity to taste directly with one of Champagne's most thoughtful producers, whose wines have earned comparison to Krug while remaining distinctly his own expression of the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay.
The Rodez family's history in Ambonnay stretches back to 1757, representing nine generations of winemaking in one of Champagne's most storied Grand Cru villages. Eric took over the estate in 1984 after an educational journey that included working in Burgundy, Beaujolais, the Rhône, and most significantly, as an enologist at Krug. His time at Krug taught him the art of blending and working with oak, but when he returned to his family's estate, he recognized something was missing—a deeper connection to the vineyard itself. This realization led him to Alsace to study organic viticulture, setting the course for what Champagne Eric Rodez would become.
Today, Eric farms 6 hectares in Ambonnay—4 of Pinot Noir and 2 of Chardonnay—all Grand Cru, all farmed organically and biodynamically. In 2012, his domaine became the first French agricultural estate to receive the Haute Valeur Environmentale certificate for organic and biodynamic farming practices. His commitment to the land goes beyond certification: he uses aromatherapy in his vineyards, plows his soils, and limits yields through careful pruning. Eric even served as Mayor of Ambonnay from 2008 to 2014, giving him a platform to advocate for environmental protection in Champagne.
What makes Eric's wines particularly compelling is his approach to blending and aging. He maintains an extensive library of reserve wines—52 different wines from 8 different vintages—creating a treasure house that allows him to craft cuvées of profound depth and complexity. His blends often incorporate five to ten different vintages, building layers that single-vintage wines cannot achieve. About 70% of his production is fermented in oak barrels, adding texture without overwhelming the fruit. Many wines undergo only partial malolactic fermentation, preserving acidity and enhancing ageability. The result is Champagnes that balance immediate pleasure with serious aging potential—wines that are both approachable and profound.
Eric speaks of the "5 dimensions of champagne" that shape its character: grape varieties, regional location, specific vineyard location, vinification method, and vine age. This framework guides his winemaking, where each decision—from harvest timing to barrel selection—is made in service of expressing Ambonnay's distinctive terroir. His wines are often described as having the vinosity and depth of Krug with a purity and elegance entirely their own.
This seminar will cover:
- The Rodez family's 250+ year history in Ambonnay
- Eric's journey from Krug back to the family estate
- Organic and biodynamic farming in Grand Cru Champagne
- The art of blending multiple vintages for depth and complexity
- Vinification in oak and the role of partial malolactic fermentation
- Understanding Ambonnay's terroir and what makes it special
- The "5 dimensions of champagne" and how they shape house style
Featured champagnes: [Selections to be announced]
This is an essential experience for anyone serious about understanding Champagne at its highest level. The opportunity to taste with Eric and hear his philosophical approach to winemaking provides insights into how tradition and innovation can coexist in the pursuit of terroir expression.
Seating is limited to 16 guests. Tickets are $50 and include the full guided tasting and a $20 store credit for use towards a purchase of the featured wines.
