Our History

the establishment
of our history

The story begins with Gustav Heinrich Martel, Grower Producer in Avenay-Val-d'Or, who founded his eponymous house in 1869. He sold it in the early twenties to the Tabourin family.

The founding act

At this moment, another destiny will shape the history of the House. Henry-Léopold Tabourin was then patronized by Auguste Devaux, who encouraged him to study Champagne oenology. When Auguste died in 1894, Henry-Léopold founded the Veuve A. Devaux champagne, which was a great success at La Belle Époque. At the majority of the children of the Veuve Devaux, he left the House to finally devote himself with his son to the development of the G.H. Martel & Cie brand.

The renewal

Finally, the way of a third man will change the destiny of the House of G.H. Martel. Ernest Rapeneau, who founded his own eponymous house in 1901, acquired GH Martel in 1979. On that date, the death of André Tabourin gave rise to the question of succession and Ernest Rapeneau wanted to develop his know-how and his passion. for wine. With this new project, he wants to strengthen this company so that it becomes the spearhead of his Champagne activities.

4 generations of men

After fifty years of activity, Ernest Rapeneau retired definitively business, leaving the management of his company to two of his sons, François and Bernard. Then come the third and fourth generation with the other sons: Jean-Rémy, Vincent, Paul-Alexandre and Charles Henry.

Tradition and family

Today, the values are similar: family and tradition. The Men at the head of the House strive to perpetuate this family treasure and to pass it on. G.H. Martel & C° Champagnes are distributed in France and in Europe and represent more than 2 million bottles.