Why it matters
The producer
Guy Michel keeps its attention on time in the cellar, creating old and very old vintages and extending cellar time for its Champagne as long as possible. The house is based in Pierry, was established in 1959, and is now in its fourth generation.
Guy Michel has récoltant manipulant status, the Champagne term for a grower producing its own wine. The house practices late disgorgement, when sediment is removed after prolonged lees ageing. Longer lees contact can deepen texture and mature flavours in sparkling wine.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Pierry is the house's home village in Champagne. The region's traditional method uses a second fermentation in bottle, creating mousse, while lees ageing can add texture and savoury flavour as the wine matures.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named bottle is Guy Michel Paris Folies Magnum Brut, a 1996 vintage sparkling wine. It shows a deep yellow colour and oily texture. Aromas move through apricot, mushroom, pumpernickel, hazelnut, baked apple and walnut. The palate is mature and fruity, with a relatively thin, somewhat tired body and a finish of dried apple and blood orange.