What Is Organic Champagne?
Organic Champagne is produced from grapes grown using certified organic viticulture methods—free from herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. The vines are cultivated in harmony with natural cycles, soil health, and biodiversity. In the Champagne region, producing organic wine represents a true commitment from both Houses and growers, given the area’s challenging climate conditions.
P181 Organic: The New Face of a Deeply Committed Champagne
Seventeen years after launching its first Organic Champagne, Canard-Duchêne reaffirms its environmental commitment with a bold new look for its iconic P181 cuvée.
Inspired by the surrounding nature, Canard-Duchêne is one of the pioneering Maisons de Champagne in organic winemaking. Under the leadership of former Cellar Master Laurent Fédou, the Maison embraced organic practices as early as 2003, collaborating with dedicated partners to release its first organic cuvée in 2009. For over 15 years, this ambitious vision has been driven by passionate men and women at every stage of the winemaking process.
P181 is a true ode to Nature, from vineyard to glass. Its name comes from parcel ZE 181, a historic 9-hectare vineyard in Verneuil, cultivated with exceptional care. The winemaking process is precise and minimally interventionist, including oak barrel fermentation (using local barrels) for Chardonnay and a low dosage.
Thanks to this forward-thinking and responsible vision, P181 Bio has established itself as a benchmark in the organic Champagne category.
A New Era for Organic Champagne P181
With P181, Canard-Duchêne once again demonstrates its strong commitment to sustainability and the living world. Parcel ZE 181, farmed organically, is part of a broader approach where viticulture is designed in harmony with its environment. It benefits from an agroforestry program that enhances biodiversity and strengthens the natural balance of the ecosystem.
A More Sustainable Label for Organic Champagne P181
Evolve without reinventing—that was the challenge. The goal was to modernize the packaging while preserving the cuvée’s identity and recognition.
The design codes have been updated in line with the House’s visual identity. A natural-textured paper has been selected for the label, and the foil capsule now directly integrates the neck label. This innovation reduces material usage and improves recyclability, aligning the design of this Organic Champagne with a more sustainable approach.
Extra-Brut Dosage to Reveal the Champagne’s Purity
Champagne P181 features an Extra Brut dosage (4 g/l), highlighting the freshness and purity of its blend. This defining characteristic, a true signature of the cuvée, is emphasized on the new label.
Like all Canard-Duchêne Champagnes, the dosage of P181 Bio is carried out blind, reflecting precise craftsmanship and expertise at every stage of production.
Everything You Need to Know About Champagne Dosage
P181: A Unique Organic Champagne, A Tribute to Nature
In this new edition, P181 is primarily based on the 2021 harvest and reveals a refined blend of 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 15% Meunier. These grape varieties are carefully selected from the crus of Verneuil, Moussy, and Pouillon, complemented by 25% reserve wines that bring depth and complexity. Extended cellar aging further enhances the balance of this Champagne, allowing its aromatic potential to fully develop over time.
« Champagne P181 Bio is a unique wine—a true tribute to nature. It was born from collaboration with several of our partner growers who, like us, have been committed to sustainable change since the early 2000s. » Cynthia Fossier, Cellar Master Canard-Duchêne.
Canard-Duchêne’s Environmental Commitments
Founded in 1868 by Victor Canard and Léonie Duchêne, the Maison is rooted in Ludes, at the heart of the Montagne de Reims vineyard. This unique location fosters a deep connection with nature and its terroir.
From an early stage, Canard-Duchêne has been committed to preserving its natural heritage and ecosystem. In addition to the organic ZE 181 parcel behind P181, most of the Maison’s vineyards are certified under Viticulture Durable in Champagne (VDC). Continuous efforts are made to promote increasingly environmentally friendly practices.
Biodiversity also plays a central role in the House’s commitments. Beyond the agroforestry program on the P181 parcel, Canard-Duchêne has installed five beehives in its park in Ludes to support the local ecosystem and has contributed to the planting of over 50,000 trees in the Champagne region in partnership with the Reforest’Action organization.
Find out more about the Maison's commitments
With its new identity, the P181 Organic cuvée reaffirms—more than ever—its modern character and the enduring commitments of Canard-Duchêne, 17 years after launching its first Organic Champagne.
Rediscover it now to celebrate the arrival of spring.
