Champagne Jose Michel Brut Tradition

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 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 30% reserve wines that are often 4 or 5 years old including a 20+ year old “perpetual reserve”. The champagne is typically 2+ years “sur lattes” and carries a dosage of 7 grams.