Tasting Notes
Benoit Marguet is producing excellent Champagnes from Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims. Shaman is mostly Pinot Noir with the balance made of Chardonnay. He farms everything biodynamically and only uses animals in the vineyards eschewing any modern machinery. This approach continues in the winery with very hands off non interventionist winemaking, old oak, wild yeasts and zero dosage. The fruit is picked ripe to avoid the need for any dosage and the wine is left on lees in old oak for 24 months to help build character in the wine.
Shaman is intense, vibrant and driven with ripe citrus, orchard fruit and red fruits from Pinot Noir with a hint of lees derived richness to round things out. - Pete L
Nestled in the prestigious terroir of Ambonnay, fifth-generation vigneron Benoît Marguet has been a passionate advocate of biodynamic viticulture since 2009. His unwavering commitment to working in harmony with nature is reflected in every aspect of the domaine. The estate’s most treasured vineyard parcels are ploughed using traditional methods, guided by his own team of majestic horses—an approach that not only respects the land but also enhances vitality.
Biodynamic treatments are meticulously applied, aligning with the natural rhythms and energies of the earth to nurture the vines. From harvest to vinification, the grapes and juice are handled with the utmost care, never subjected to mechanical pumping. The wines evolve gracefully in oak vessels, allowing the naturally ripened fruit to express uniquely. The result, wines of extraordinary energy, purity, and vibrancy - highly sought-after expressions of the land’s true essence.
As Benoit Marguet reflects -
"In many civilizations, the horse is a sacred animal—non-predatory, yet deeply connected to social and spiritual balance. By using horses to work the soil, we encourage the growth of endemic flora within the vineyards, fostering biodiversity and preserving a natural ecological equilibrium. This harmony nurtures the vines, ensuring the production of grapes of the highest quality, and ultimately, Champagnes of remarkable depth and character." - Importer Note
| Product Type | Wine Sparkling Champagne |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Sub Region | Montagne de Reims |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |