Champagne Jose Michel "Premices"NV (375ML)

Alcohol: 12%

Grape(s): 70% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay 

Localization: Moussy, Champagne, France

Tasting Notes: On the palate, it offers a crisp and clean taste with flavors of green apple, pear, and a touch of brioche

Notes: The non-vintage Brut Premises is a blend of 12 different wines from 2021 (65%), with the addition of 35% reserve wines from vintages from 2018 through 2020. Cépage blend is 70% Meunier / 30% Chardonnay. The wines are aged in various containers, including oak, concrete, stainless steel, and an enameled tank. After blending, they rest for 1 month in an enameled tank before bottling. Dosage is 6g/l.

The Domain: José Michel made his first vintage in 1955 and thanks in part to his cellar of very old bottles of Pinot Meunier, he developed a cult following for his Champagnes. José passed away in 2019 and this “Maison de Tradition” which began in 1847 is now, seven generations later, run by José and Nicole’s grandson, Antonin. Antonin is brilliantly refining the work that José accomplished over six decades and developing his own ideas. As he says, “José and I agreed on practically everything”.

The Champagne house is located in Moussy, a small village just south of Epernay. The 7 hectares of vineyards are spread throughout a number of villages, both in the Cotes D’Epernay and in the Vallée de la Marne. The vineyard sights with a richer clay soil are planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The slopes which have a calcareous soil are planted to Chardonnay. José Michel was the first in his family to plant Chardonnay which he did beginning in 1958. Fermentations are carried out in old oak casks or enameled steel vats and the wines go through a malolactic fermentation. José Michel is certified “Level 3” the top level of certification in Haute Valeur Environmentale. The Michels are a founding member of the group, “Tresors de Champagne” known as the “Special Club”.

The non-vintage Brut is a blend in which the 70% Pinot Meunier forms the base and 30% Chardonnay adds complexity and finesse. In addition to the base vintage (typically 2 years old), the NV Brut benefits from being blended with reserve wines that are often 4 or 5 years old. The champagne is typically 2+ years “sur lattes” and carries a dosage of 9 grams.