Michel Turgy

Five generations in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

The house of Turgy began in 1881 in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Emile Turgy married Eugénie Doiselet, who already owned a small vineyard, and founded the estate. His son Maurice took over and created the Turgy brand in the 1920s by taking winemaking into his own hands. Michel Turgy followed in 1955 and built up the brand for 40 years. Today Jean-Michel Turgy runs the house. The family speaks of five generations in the vineyard. According to the house, his son Thibaut is due to take over one day.

Six hectares of Chardonnay on grand cru soil

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger lies in the Côte des Blancs and is classified 100 per cent grand cru. The family farms six hectares planted exclusively with Chardonnay. The soil is a deep layer of chalk that regulates the water supply. The slopes face in different directions. By its own account, the house works year-round following a "culture raisonnée" approach, avoiding excessive treatments.

Turgy is a récoltant-manipulant, growing its own grapes and making the wine on site. According to the US importer North Berkeley Imports, the grapes are picked by hand and pressed in a traditional vertical champagne press. The must ferments with wild yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by full malolactic fermentation. The house ages its vintage champagne only in oak barrels about ten years old, so that the wines do not taste too oaky.

The cuvées

• Réserve Sélection: non-vintage brut, blanc de blancs grand cru.
• Millésime: the Cuvée 211 Millésime 2015 stands for 2 terroirs, 1 year and 1 grape variety.
• Vieilles Vignes: zero dosage, lively, with broom and dried fruit on the nose.
• Rosé Grand Cru: mostly Chardonnay from Le Mesnil, with a small share of Pinot Noir from Bouzy.
• Coteaux Champenois: a still wine, which the house also offers.

Visits and tastings

The house is at 17 and 18 Rue de l'Orme in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Cellar tours are available on request. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, and Saturdays by appointment only. The house also points to a signposted walk through the grand cru slopes of Le Mesnil. Booking ahead is recommended.