The MeToo of wine has been there. Laureen Baillette, Hélène Beaugrand, Claire Blin, Mathilde Devarenne, Charlotte De Sousa, Sophie Moussié and Delphine Brulez know who to count on like Pascaline Lepeltier, elected best sommelier of France in 2018. A sign that has not escaped the attention of the "Fa'Bulleuses". "We are the first and only association of independent women winemakers in Champagne," insists Charlotte De Sousa, winemaker from the Côte des Blancs (Avize).
Since the creation of their association in 2014, other 100% female groups have been formed in Champagne, the accession of women to the positions of cellar masters, until then exclusively held by men, has resulted in the recognition of the female of the function. We now talk about "cellar master" but there has never been a more accomplished project.
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Beyond the image, the good words, the round tables led by these winegrowers-heads of farms, the "Fa'Bulleuses" have therefore decided, since 2019, to join forces to create a collective cuvée. This is a major challenge when we know that today singularity takes precedence over "doing things together". This is how the "ISOS" cuvée was born, with a predestined name (in Greek, isos means equal), a meticulous blend of grapes from their respective estates, a union of seven terroirs stretching from the Montagne de Reims to the Côte des Bar (Aube), whose vinification is centralised at one of the Fa'Bulleuses.
Sorority in a bottle
Since then, this cuvée has given birth to a white Champagne hillside, a still wine that has been experiencing a revival of interest for several years in Champagne, thanks in particular to a young generation passionate about winemaking and new oenological experiences. As for the "ISOS" cuvée, it will have other variations from 2024. These artisanal vintages, with very limited editions, registered as part of a non-profit association, remain a means of social link, the driving force that allowed the creation of this women's circle in 2014.
But the "Fa'Bulleuses" have one goal: "We promote our profession, our know-how and advocate mutual aid and sisterhood, which is rare in Champagne. Mentalities are very individualistic here and very machismo. We're trying to shake things up and get out of that," says Charlotte De Sousa. On the eve of celebrating the tenth anniversary of the association, the "Fa'Bulleuses" have released a box of seven vintages, each bottle coming from their respective estates, an educational approach, due to the multiplicity of terroirs represented: a way of getting to know each of the personalities who make up this solidarity group.
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