Champagne Michel Laval

Champagne house in Boursault, Vallée de la Marne.

Village: Boursault
Region: Vallée de la Marne
Type of house: RM · Récoltant Manipulant
Founded: 1979
Cuvées in the guide: 3

History The Laval family has been involved in winegrowing since 1870, when great-great-grandfather Jules inherited 40 ares of land. In 1948 grandparents Roger and Fabienne began producing champagne, after which Michel Laval launched his own brand in 1979. The current fourth generation, Aurore and Florian Laval, runs the estate with a focus on soil life and traditional values.

Vineyards and Terroir The estate comprises 6.5 hectares of vineyards in Boursault, located in the Marne Valley. The soil is diverse, consisting of clay-sand, heavy clay and clay-loam, which emphasises the complexity of the champagnes. The grape varieties are Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, from their own vineyards.

Winemaking Michel Laval takes an organic approach with minimal intervention in the winemaking. Green manure and compost are used to improve soil fertility and reduce herbicides. The champagnes undergo long ageing on the laths (often more than five years) to bring the terroir to pure expression, often with low dosage (3-6 g/l).

Champagnes and Prices The range includes various cuvées with varying prices:

Tradition Brut: About €29-41.
L'Extra Brut: About €32-46.
Le Secret de Jules (Extra Brut): About €53, made in great vintages with almost ten years of ageing.
Ut Prius (Pinot Meunier): About €52, a tribute to grandfather Roger with five years of ageing.
Les Filles des Vendanges (Rosé Brut): About €40.

For more details visit the official website: champagne-laval.fr.

Cuvées by Michel Laval

Michel Laval l'Extra Brut

Blend · Extra Brut · 40% Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

A convivial extra brut for festive moments, dosed at 2.5-3 g/l.

Michel Laval Le Secret de Jules

Blend · Extra Brut · 2012 · One third each Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Extra brut with dry fruit and almond aromas and a citrus finish.

Michel Laval Tradition Brut

Blend · Brut · 40% Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

The house's historic cuvée, blending tradition and modernity since 1979.

Importers

Michel Laval is imported by: The Champagne Fox.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Michel Laval: The Champagne Fox.

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