The Goutorbes are one of the best known families in Aÿ. The Grand Cru village of Aÿ was famous long before the creation of Champagne as the vin d’Aÿ was the preference of innumerable Kings and Popes. The Aÿ Pinot Noir is a magical combination of purity in aroma, richness in taste, and velvety structure. After the Great War, Emile Goutorbe, formerly the head vigneron of Perrier-Jouët, founded his own vineyard. His son, Henri, integrated the two sides of the business – growing and producing - after World War II. René, the third generation, joined his father and expanded the vineyard into what it is today. Both a visionary and a traditionalist, René has stuck to a perfectionist’s approach to both Champagne making and aging. All Goutorbe Champagnes stay on their lees for at least three years.