Michel Furdyna

Champagne Michel Furdyna is a family estate in Celles-sur-Ource, in the south of Champagne in the Côte des Bar (Aube département). The estate was founded in 1974 and is run by Michel and Marie-Noëlle Furdyna, supported by their daughter Florine. According to the house, the family story goes back to Michel's father, Roman. Their son Matthieu is the next generation of growers and has been involved in the business for about 15 years.

Sites, grape varieties and approach

As récoltants-manipulants, the Furdynas farm around 9 hectares in six villages: Celles-sur-Ource, Gyé-sur-Seine, Landreville, Loches-sur-Ource, Neuville-sur-Seine and Plaines-Saint-Lange. The hectare figures vary between 8 and 9.5 depending on the source. The estate's own website names only five villages, and Gyé-sur-Seine is missing from it.

Pinot Noir dominates the vineyard. One figure from the Vignerons Indépendants gives 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Blanc. Another source gives 90, 6 and 4%. On top of that come varieties that have become rare in Champagne, such as Arbane and Petit Meslier.

“The estate was founded in 1974 and is run by Michel and Marie-Noëlle Furdyna, supported by their daughter Florine.

In the vineyard, the estate does not work by integrated viticulture, as the original text says, but by viticulture raisonnée. It is certified under Terra Vitis and HVE.

The cuvées

The range is unusually varied. A selection:

• Réserve: a Brut Nature (no dosage) from 100% Pinot Noir. It is the first cuvée Michel made, in 1974.
• La Romane: an Extra Brut from 100% Pinot Blanc, a rare cuvée that is vinified and aged in barrel. It first appeared in 2015 and honours Roman, Michel's father.
• La Secrète: a Brut from six grape varieties, made each year from the best varieties on the estate.
• Étincelles: a blanc de blancs that brings together all the white varieties.
• La Loge: a blanc de noirs from single-plot Pinot Noir, taken from the oldest vines.

There are also, among others, Prestige (a vintage cuvée), Carte Blanche, Rosé and Rosé Bonbon. The cuvées regularly win awards. The Prestige 2013 received Gold at Decanter 2024 with 95 points.

Visits and tastings

Tastings and sales are possible by appointment on +33 3 25 38 54 20. A tasting of five cuvées costs 10 euros, and a cellar tour with tasting costs 15 euros. Prices and opening times may change, so do check with the estate before you visit.