Champagne Clandestin emerged in 2016 from the innovative spirit of Benoit Doussot, a young Burgundy native whose only tie to Champagne was his deep passion for its exquisite elixir. The name "Clandestin," meaning "hidden" or "secret" in French, cleverly acknowledges the unconventional origins of these enchanting wines. Hailing from Burgundy, Benoit Doussot initially found himself a "clandestin" in Champagne, lacking prior experience in the region and without any familial connections to its esteemed wine industry, which typically boasts deep-rooted traditions spanning generations.

Benoit embarked on his journey by apprenticing at Champagne Vouette & Sorbée, a revered artisanal producer renowned for its natural-style champagnes nestled in the Cote des Bar, located in the southern reaches of Champagne. In 2016, driven by his conviction in the exceptional potential of Aube's terroirs, Benoit partnered with Mr. Bertrand Gautherot (Vouette & Sorbee owner) to establish his own line of champagnes. His methodology involves personally-identifying and sourcing the finest "climats," a term borrowed from Burgundy denoting specific plots with unique terroir characteristics. In doing so, he bypasses conventional contracts, venturing beyond customary grape sources.

Upon arrival at Benoit Doussot's newly constructed winery in the quaint town of Landreville, the philosophy of minimal intervention assumes prominence. Champagne Clandestin champions the intrinsic character of each specific plot and grape variety, allowing them to eloquently express themselves in every bottle without addition of sugar (all cuvées are Brut Nature zero dosage). This commitment translates into delicate extraction techniques, natural fermentation employing indigenous yeasts, and judicious use of premium seasoned oak barrels. Every stage of the process is meticulously orchestrated, reflecting an unwavering commitment to excellence. Stringent sorting ensures only the finest grapes are utilized, while fermentation temperatures are meticulously controlled, and aging is tailored to each wine, enabling them to realize their full potential for elegance, finesse, and remarkable aging capability.

Champagne Clandestin stands as a testament to the potency of meticulously chosen grapes, a profound reverence for the land, and a steadfast dedication to minimal intervention. Quietly forging its own path in the realm of Champagne, it crafts wines imbued with expression and terroir-driven character, poised to captivate connoisseurs and redefine expectations within this underrated Aube region.