Champagne Jose Michel
Côtes d’Epernay
11 hectares
José Michel made his first vintage in 1955 and thanks in part to his cellar of very old bottles of Pinot Meunier, he has developed a cult following for his Champagnes. This “Maison de Tradition” began in 1847 and five generations later, José and Nicole carry forward a wonderfully artisanal sensibility to their craft. They are a founding member of the group, “Tresors de Champagne” known as the “Special Club”. José Michel is located in Moussy, a small village just south of Epernay. The 11 hectares of vineyards are spread throughout a number of villages, mostly along the Cotes D’Epernay. The vineyard sights with a richer clay soil are planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The lower 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.
What remains the best value in all of Special Club Champagnes. Jose Michel’s Special Club, as Champagne guru Richard Juhlin notes, is alongside Krug as one of the most iconic wines that feature Pinot Meunier. Only 28 growers are members of this exclusive Special Club. This blend is made from 50% meunier & 50% chardonnay, some from vines over 70 years old. Golden yellow, dleicate and lively bubbles. Elegant aromatic complexity with superb finesse, floral hints with hazelnut and grilled almond aromas. Superb full mouth with undertones of toasted bread stewed yellow-fleshed fruit with a slight floral touch.
Special Club Vintage
The Club de Viticulteurs is a group of independent Champagne producers who have come together in order to promote the high quality of their work. The José Michel Special Club was chosen by this group as an ambassador of quality and given the right to use the Special Club label and antique bottle. The Special Club is a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier and 60% Chardonnay. The vines are all at least 35+ years old. The champagne is disgorged according to demand and currently has six years on the lees “sur lattes” with dosage carrying just 6.5 grams.
