Jean Michel

Since 1847, five generations have run the estate in Moussy, near Épernay. The vines lie on the south-facing slopes of Épernay. Olivier Michel's great-grandfather began selling champagne in 1912. Olivier Michel took over the family business in 1991. He looks after the vineyard and the winemaking, while Florence Michel welcomes visitors and handles shipping.

The vineyard and how they work

As a récoltant-manipulant, Olivier Michel makes his cuvées on the estate and uses only the harvest from his own vines. He grows Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The figures for the vineyard area differ: the house itself gives 12 hectares. According to the Guide Hachette, they are spread across nine crus. The association of organic champagne producers, by contrast, lists 10 hectares.

The estate is farmed organically. Certification began in 2016, the first certified harvest was in 2019, and the entire vineyard area is AB-certified. Picking is done by hand, and alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. 10 per cent of the Chardonnay is vinified in oak barrels. The champagne ages in traditional 18th-century cellars. Since 2009 the house has also offered a kosher champagne.

The cuvées

The range runs from the Brut Sans Année, which comes as Extra Brut, Brut and Demi-Sec, to the Blanc de Meunier. It also includes Carte d'Or, Blanc de Chardonnay, Cuvée Les Mulottes, La Petite Mulotte, Cuvée CEP Extra Brut, Rosé and Cuvée Spéciale Rosé. The Cuvée Spéciale is a vintage champagne made from equal parts Chardonnay and Meunier.

Visiting and tasting

The house offers cellar tours. Please ring for opening hours. Booking ahead is advisable, and the telephone number is +33 3 26 54 03 33. One visitor reports that Florence Michel organised the tasting in a friendly way and speaks very good English. Moussy is about ten minutes by car from Épernay.