Baron Fuente is a negociant that owns almost 90 acres of vines and purchases another 90 acres "sur pied", meaning that they pick the grapes. This is an important distinction since many negociants buy "sur lattes" meaning in bottle. The Baron family has owned and cultivated lands in Champagne since the 17th century. Upon his marriage in 1961 to Dolores Fuenté, Gabriel Baron was given 2 acres of vineyard by his father. In 1967, as a symbol of their union, Gabriel and Dolores named their brand new company: Champagne Baron-Fuenté. The first bottles were produced and marketed directly to private customers and to local restaurants. In 1982, their daughter Sophie joined the family business, followed by their son Ignace in 1992. Today, the domaine spreads almost 90 acres of vineyards near the village of Charly-sur-Marne, on the western side of the Marne river valley. The yearly production is 1.5 million bottles with 4 million bottles maturing in the cellars at all times. The style of the Champagne is dominated by Pinot Meunier, bringing fruit and delicacy to the cuvées. Smaller proportions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir bring finesse and strength to the blend. Winemaker, general manager, and owner Ignace Baron is in charge of fashioning the house style.