Michel Gonet À Epernay

Seven generations between Champagne and Bordeaux

The Gonet family moved to Champagne from the Beaujolais in the 15th century. In 1802 Charles Gonet founded his own champagne house. Michel Gonet, born in 1935, gave his name to today's brand. As the eldest, he left the family estate to make room for his brothers and dug a new cellar in nearby Avize. In 1973 he launched his own brand. In 1986 he acquired Château Lesparre in Bordeaux.

The champagne side is now run by his daughter Sophie Signolle-Gonet, and the website also names her brothers Charles-Henri and Frédéric as directors of the house. Sophie's daughter Diane is part of the team as well.

Vineyard sites, vines and cuvées

Figures for the vineyard area vary depending on the source, between 36 and around 40 hectares. The plots lie in the Côte des Blancs (grand cru), in the Coteaux Sézannais, in Montgueux and in the Bar-sur-Aubois. Grand cru holdings are in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Avize. The winery and cellar are in Avize.

Chardonnay dominates. Pinot noir grows in Fravaux in the Bar-sur-Aubois and goes into the rosé. The statement "100% Chardonnay" therefore applies to the Blanc de Blancs, not to the whole range. Picking is done by hand.

The cuvées include the "3 Terroirs" Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Vindey and Montgueux. There is also a single-vineyard champagne from the "Les Hautes Mottes" plot in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Sophie Gonet releases almost her entire production as vintage champagne.

Visiting in Épernay

The Villa Michel Gonet stands at 37 Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. The house is open to the public for welcomes and tastings. The team presents the cuvées, explains how the wine is made and offers tips on the region. You can visit the cellar in Avize (196 Avenue Jean Jaurès) from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, and at weekends by appointment only. For the opening hours of the villa in Épernay, it is best to ask the house directly.