June 2026

We love introducing you to new producers and this month, we have something really special for you. Meet Hélène Beaugrand!

Hélène Beaugrand’s family is steeped in tradition. Her Great Grandfather Léon Beaugrand was the first to replant vines in Montgueux after phylloxera ravaged the vineyards in 1893. Then, in 1927, he obtained the AOC Champagne appellation for the village. 

Montgueux is an outlier in almost every way. The small hill of a village surrounded by vastness of flat expanse gives it the appearance, as some inhabitants have stated, “to take on the proportions of Mont Blanc or Vesuvius.” This isolated hill, primarily planted with vines of a south-south/eastern exposure is the briefest appearance of a chalk outcropping in a region more known for the flat fertile land for growing the region's other well known crop, wheat. 

Hélène’s roots are firmly planted in her home village of Montgueux but her winemaking has taken her to work in vineyards and cellars in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, California and Mexico. While she has inherited the knowledge of her ancestors she has decided to make wines in her own style that reflect her unique philosophy and world view. Hélène's wines are a study in terroir and vintage. Each year there is a wonderful difference between wines from the bottom of the hill and those from the top. The wines are decidedly modern with low winemaking intervention, little to no dosage and use of individual plots to craft most bottlings. 

Learn more about Champagne Hélène Beaugrand on Cage Imports.

The Wines

In these two bottles, you’re able to explore a grape, a village and a new winemaker. We hope you love these as much as we do. These bottles are exceedingly rare. Don’t miss your chance to get another in our Shop (while supplies last). 

Le Grand Carre vines are located at the bottom of the hill, on a south east facing slope, where the soil is almost pure chalk and ripen slowly and beautifully. This allows them to retain their crisp acidity while showing off all the beautiful fruit flavors of the Chardonnay grape. This bottle is 100% Chardonnay from the 2018 vintage and extra brut in style. Less than 5,000 bottles exist.  Why we love it: Extra brut in style, ripe and lush in the glass and again. This champagne offers citrus aromas, and hints of sourdough bread crust. The vibe: Pork belly bao buns, fish and chips or an ultra fatty cheese like a triple-cream brie.

Derriere la Cabanne vines are grown on a small plot (behind the cabin) midslope with perfect sun exposure and ripening potential. In a vintage like 2018 it achieved its full potential and maybe even more! South facing slopes allow a clear view of the Cathedral in Troyes. Extra brut in style, ripe and lush in the glass and again, 100% Chardonnay. With only 2,000 bottles made, this wine is truly special.  Why we love it: This is Hélène’s first vintage under her own label. Bright acidity and bold fruits come through this champagne immediately, making it really fantastic. Extra brut in style, ripe and lush in the glass and again.  Don’t miss our One Bottle Review! The vibe: Your favorite burger and fries or a bacon grilled cheese.