Champagne Benoit Michel

Champagne house in Monthelon, Vallée de la Marne.

Village: Monthelon
Region: Vallée de la Marne
Founded: 2022
Cuvées in the guide: 9

Champagne‌ Benoit Michel is a family business in Monthelon (51530), founded as an independent maison in 2022, but with roots going back to 1847. The house is run by Benoit Michel, the fifth generation, who works with his wife Patricia and sons Loris and Alexandre in historic vaulted cellars.

History The Michel family began growing vines in 1847; the first champagnes were brewed in the 1920s by Raymond Michel. Guy Michel (Benoit's father) was a pioneer in long ageing on the lees. Benoit took over the vinification of Maison Guy Michel in 2004 and started his own brand after buying a vineyard in Monthelon.

Vineyards The plots are spread over the Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne and Côteaux Sud d’Épernay, with vines that are on average 40 years old. The viticulture is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) and Viticulture Durable en Champagne (VDC). Benoit uses grass cover, limits inputs and emphasises biodiversity.

Approach The style is geared towards long ageing, with some cuvées staying on the lees for 10 to 15 years. Vinification takes place mainly in stainless steel, but Burgundian barrels are also used for complexity. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve natural freshness and acidity.

Champagnes The cuvées are often Extra Brut and are characterised by rich, developed aromas:

Esprit de Cave (Blanc de Blancs): 100% Chardonnay, base year 2006.
Esprit de Cave (Assemblage): Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, base year 2007/2008.
Esprit de Cave (Rosé): Blend, base year 2008.
Collection Millésime: For example the vintages 2005 and 2006, which age for years.

Contact: 18 Route de Chavot, 51530 Monthelon, telephone: 06 19 38 09 56.

Cuvées by Benoit Michel

Benoit Michel Collection Millésime 2005

Blend · Extra Brut · 2005 · 36% Meunier, 34% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay

Vintage 2005 blend from the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay and the Vallée de la Marne.

Benoit Michel Collection Millésime 2006

Blend · Extra Brut · 2006 · 57% Meunier, 24% Pinot Noir, 19% Chardonnay

Vintage 2006 blend from the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay and the Vallée de la Marne.

Benoit Michel Esprit de Cave 100% Chardonnay

Blanc de Blancs · Extra Brut · 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay on a 2006 base, with 15% of the wine aged in barrels.

Benoit Michel Esprit de Cave Assemblage Blanc

Blend · Extra Brut · 50% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay, 8% Meunier

Blend on a 2007 base from the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay and the Vallée de la Marne.

Benoit Michel Esprit de Cave Assemblage Rosé

Rosé · Extra Brut · 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir

Rosé blend on a 2008 base from the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay.

Collection Millésime

Esprit des Caves Assemblage Blanc

Blend

Esprit des Caves Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs

Guy Michel Millésime

Importers

Benoit Michel is imported by: Cellarmasters.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Benoit Michel: Cellarmasters.

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