Why it matters
The producer
Paul Michel acquired the family's first vineyards in the late nineteenth century, and his son Raymond began making and marketing the first Michel Champagnes in the 1920s. Benoit Michel represents the fifth generation of the family.
The house uses grass cover and minimal inputs in its vineyards. Stone vaulted cellars stand in Monthelon and nearby Grauves. Grass cover leaves living vegetation between the vine rows, while minimal inputs reduce the treatments used in the vineyard.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Chardonnay accounts for the largest share of Monthelon's 103.4 hectares of vines, at approximately 51%; Pinot Meunier accounts for 43% and Pinot Noir for 6%. The village lies in the Côteaux Sud d'Épernay.
These proportions give the village different Champagne grape roles. Chardonnay brings citrus, Pinot Meunier brings roundness, and Pinot Noir brings body and tannin. Monthelon is classified Autre cru at 88%, a village category outside Grand Cru and Premier Cru status.
Wines to know
The range in view
Esprit de Cave Extra Brut is a named cuvée in the range. Its 2006 vintage is made from 100% Chardonnay. A Champagne made entirely from Chardonnay is a Blanc de Blancs, while Extra Brut is a dry dosage category. The label combines the grape, vintage and that dry style. Gault & Millau gave it 90/100.