Michel Decotte

In the grand cru village of Mailly Champagne, Karine and Ivan Decotte run the family estate as the fifth generation of growers. The two have worked together since 1989, continuing a long family history. The house stands on the Rue Haute des Carrières (not "Hautes"), and Mailly's vineyards lie on the Montagne de Reims and are classified 100% grand cru.

Sites and vines

The estate farms 3.6 hectares, by its own account using "raisonnée" (lutte raisonnée) viticulture. This is an environmentally considerate approach, but not organic certification. The parcels sit on north-facing slopes and mid-slope sites, with more than 300 metres of chalk in the subsoil. According to the website, the 22 parcels are planted 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Some retail listings also mention pinot meunier for certain cuvées.

In the cellar and in the glass

Wines are aged in stainless steel tanks with malolactic fermentation and in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, to widen the aromatic palette. After three to seven years on the lees, the bottles go on sale following disgorgement and dosage.

The range runs from the Brut Classic through blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs and rosé to vintage champagnes. It also includes a solera (Cuve 24), the MLY barrel series and a Ratafia de Champagne. The MLY cuvée shows the house's work with barrels: the 2015 vintage is 50% pinot noir and 50% chardonnay, fermented and aged in barrels without malolactic fermentation. It spent eleven months in 350-litre oak barrels and then five years in the cellar.

Visits and tastings

The estate welcomes visitors all year round by appointment. For visits and tastings, the website refers to Champagne-Booking. The house also offers cellar visits for groups and delivery within France. If you want to get to know the Montagne de Reims beyond the big houses, here is a grower who takes charge of everything himself, from vine to cuvée.