Michel Fagot

Michel Fagot is a family estate in Rilly-la-Montagne, a village classified as Premier Cru on the Montagne de Reims. By the house's own account, it lies only a few kilometres from the Smiling Angel of Reims. It is run by Olivier Fagot.

Family and cellar

The family story begins in 1903 with the marriage of Adrien Fagot and Berthe Rousseau, both from winegrowing families. Their son Michel took over the estate in 1950 and founded the Champagne Michel Fagot brand. His son Olivier is the owner today. The sources differ on how many generations that makes. What is certain is the cellar: two generations dug the vaulted cellar into the chalk, and it runs for several hundred metres on the second level below ground.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The house farms 15 hectares, spread across four crus and 38 plots, 20 of which are classified Premier Cru. The crus are Rilly-la-Montagne, Villers-Allerand, Trigny and Hermonville. According to the house, the south-east-facing slopes yield the best Pinot Noir and Meunier.

The vines are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, along with the almost forgotten Pinot Blanc. The house planted the Pinot Blanc partly with climate change in mind.

Working methods and cuvées

The estate is certified "Terra Vitis" and "Haute Valeur Environnementale 3". Viticulture is inspired by biodynamics. The cuvées age on the lees in the cellar for at least five years.

The range includes the Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru, the Brut Rosé Premier Cru and "Le Clos de Marzilly", the house's calling card. There is also a Blanc de Meunier.

Visiting and tasting

The domaine welcomes visitors at 2 Rue Jean Jaurès. In the tasting boutique you can get to know the range. Rilly-la-Montagne station is only a short walk away, and it is just a few minutes by train from Reims or Épernay.