From Village Co-op to Natural Champagne Pioneer

In 1946, just after the Second World War, around twenty growers in the village of Chavot-Courcourt joined forces to found a cooperative. They named it Chavost, the village's old medieval name. For decades the co-op did what most Champagne cooperatives do: it pressed and pooled its members' grapes and supplied wine to bigger houses, with almost nothing bottled under its own name. That changed in 2019, when the members asked a local son to take over the cellar.

Fabian Daviaux Comes Home

Fabian Daviaux grew up among the vines of Chavot, the son of a winegrower and the great-grandson of one of the cooperative's founders. He studied biology before becoming an oenologist, made wine in South Africa and New Zealand, and spent several years at a large Champagne house, where he fought for the right to make a small amount of wine without sulfites. When Chavost called, he set his conditions: convert to organic farming, make the wines with no added sulfites, and bottle them with zero dosage. The members said yes.

The Coteaux Sud d'Épernay

Chavot lies in the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, a band of hillsides where the northern tip of the Côte des Blancs meets the eastern end of the Vallée de la Marne. On the same slope, chalky limestone well suited to Chardonnay sits just meters from richer clay-limestone where Meunier thrives. Today the cooperative counts more than 70 multi-generational growers, and the 5.5 hectares that supply its natural range were converted to organic farming between 2019 and 2022, with certification in 2023.

The Wines: Blanc d'Assemblage and Paradoxe

Chavost's wines are made with native yeasts, using only the first-press cuvée juice, with no added sulfites, no fining or filtration and no dosage. Most bottlings come from a single harvest but spend too little time on the lees to carry a vintage, keeping them fresh and full of primary fruit. The Blanc d'Assemblage blends Chardonnay and Meunier into a crisp, saline, bone-dry Champagne full of orchard fruit and chalk. Paradoxe is the house's first multi-vintage cuvée, built from Chardonnay and Meunier from the 2019 to 2023 harvests for a little more depth and texture while keeping the same pure, electric style. Each label is a cartoon drawn by Fabian and his brother; Paradoxe shows the growers riding a giant wave.

Why Chavost Matters Today

Zero-sulfur, zero-dosage Champagne is rare, and to find it coming from a cooperative is rarer still. Chavost shows that a village co-op can lead rather than follow, and its wines have become favorites at natural wine bars and shops. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, Chavost is an exciting way to buy natural grower-style Champagne online: honest, vibrant bubbles with a great story and real value.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Champagne Chavost known for?

Natural Champagne made with no added sulfites and zero dosage, an extremely rare style in Champagne.

2. Is Chavost a cooperative?

Yes. It was founded in 1946 by about twenty growers and today includes more than 70 multi-generational growers.

3. Who makes the wine?

Fabian Daviaux, a Chavot native and great-grandson of one of the founders, who took over the cellar in 2019.

4. Where is Chavot-Courcourt?

Just south of Épernay in the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, between the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne.

5. Where does the name Chavost come from?

It is the old medieval name of the village of Chavot-Courcourt.

6. What grapes does Chavost use?

Mainly Chardonnay and Meunier, with some Pinot Noir in other cuvées.

7. What is the difference between Blanc d'Assemblage and Paradoxe?

Blanc d'Assemblage is the house's core Chardonnay and Meunier blend from a single harvest. Paradoxe is its first multi-vintage cuvée, blending the 2019 to 2023 harvests for extra depth.

8. Is Chavost organic?

The 5.5 hectares behind its natural range were converted to organic farming from 2019 and certified in 2023.

9. What does "no added sulfites" mean?

No sulfur dioxide is added at any stage. Sulfites can still occur naturally in small amounts from fermentation.

10. What does Chavost taste like?

Fresh, bright and bone-dry, with orchard fruit, citrus, chalk and a salty finish. Paradoxe adds a touch more richness and toasty depth.

11. What should I pair with Chavost?

• Seafood: Oysters, crudo, shrimp, fish and chips
  
• Fried food: Fried chicken, tempura, potato chips
  
• Cheese: Gougères, Comté, aged goat cheese
  
• Starters: Charcuterie, popcorn, salty snacks
  

12. Should I age it?

These wines are made to be enjoyed fresh and vibrant. Drink within a year or two of purchase for the most energy.

13. How should I serve it?

Serve well chilled, around 42 to 46°F, in a white wine glass. Without added sulfites, keep it cool and away from heat and light.

14. Where can I buy Chavost online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in grower Champagne and natural wine, with shipping to California and select states.