Christophe Mignon

Christophe Mignon runs a small estate in Festigny and in neighbouring Le Breuil, in the Marne Valley. The family lives in the hamlet of Le Mesnil-le-Huttier, where they have been rooted for generations. Christophe is a grower of the fifth generation. He works with his wife Laurence and their son Loann. Some of the parcels were already planted by his great-grandparents.

Meunier on green clay

The vineyard covers a good 6 hectares, with figures varying between 6 and 6.5 hectares depending on the source. It is spread over around 30 parcels. The sites mostly face south and south-west. The soils consist of clay and limestone, together with the green clay typical of the area. That suits Pinot Meunier. According to one importer, 26 of the 30 parcels carry this variety, three are planted with Chardonnay and one with Pinot Noir. The average age of the vines is around 46 to 48 years, depending on the cuvée.

Working methods and cellar

The estate is not certified. Mignon does, however, combine biodynamic methods with herbal medicine, homeopathy and geobiology. The phases of the moon determine, among other things, when pruning and bottling take place. Picking is by hand. Each parcel is first vinified separately, mainly in stainless steel and enamel tanks. He does not allow malolactic fermentation, does not filter, and uses very little sulphur. Several cuvées age in large oak foudres.

The range is called ADN. It includes:

• ADN de Meunier, pure Meunier as a Brut Nature
• ADN de Foudre as Meunier, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, each as an Extra Brut or Brut Nature
• ADN de Foudre Trois Cépages from equal parts of the three grape varieties
• ADN de Meunier Rosé de Saignée as well as a blended rosé

The wines are very dry, and several cuvées are bottled with no dosage at all.

Visiting

The estate receives visitors by appointment only, at 4 Rue de la Boulonnerie in Festigny. The visit offers a tasting of three champagnes, along with a film about the house and its wines. In the high season from May to October, it is best to book several weeks in advance.