Michel Lenique

Michel Lenique is a family-run estate in Pierry. The house sits in the first wine village south of Épernay. Alexandre Lenique founded his own champagne house in 1768, in Pierry-la-Cour according to the estate's website. His father was a cellar master and a contemporary of Frère Jean Oudart. Frère Oudart is counted among the pioneers of champagne in Pierry.

From Michel to the next generation

Michel Lenique launched his champagne in 1960. In 2000 he handed over to his son Alexandre and his daughter Corinne. Today Alexandre Lenique runs the independent family business.

Vines and cellar

The vineyard covers around 7 hectares on the Côte des Blancs and in the Marne Valley. The parcels lie mainly in the Marne Valley around Vauciennes, Vincelles and Mardeuil, with others in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Épernay. According to the house, the vines are 55% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Meunier and 9% Pinot Noir.

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Alcoholic fermentation runs at a low temperature (15 °C) to preserve aromatic finesse. Some of the vaults in the cellar, cut from the stone, are up to 170 years old. Older sources put annual production at around 50,000 bottles.

Cuvées and visiting

The range is broad:

• Les 3 Cépages, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Rosé, Sélection and Blancs de Réserve
• the vintage champagne Millésime and a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
• under the name Alexandre Lenique, the cuvées Excellence and Secret de Famille

The house offers cellar tours, tastings and direct sales. Bookings can be made by telephone on +33 3 26 54 03 65; the house is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The address is 20, Rue du Général de Gaulle, 51530 Pierry.