A Modest Offer for Lovers of Meunier.

10/20/13 -

Of the three grapes varieties that go into most Champagne, Pinot Meunier is generally considered to be rustic and fruity in comparison to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We believe that everything depends on the maker, and top-notch Meunier specialists (like Jérôme Prevost and Aurélian Laherte) produce Champagnes based on Meunier that rival the region’s great Grand Cru Pinots and Chardonnays.

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce a new Champagne grower who appeared on our horizon about a year ago. Christophe Mignon (yes his last name means “cute” in French, and his labels are just that) makes wine in Festigny in the Vallée de la Marne. Christophe is a 5th generation winemaker who farms 6.5 hectares, of which 90% is planted to Pinot Meunier, now enjoying an exciting resurgence of popularity. Mignon sparked our interest with his passionate adherence to biodynamic principles; he manually works the soil, uses homeopathic treatments (rather than chemicals), observes the lunar calendar, etc. out of conviction that the best wine comes from a marriage of modern and ancient methods in the vines and cellar. A trip to Champagne in January afforded our first chance to taste the wines, and we're as attracted to the wines as to the philosophy. Now, months later, we’re thrilled that Mignon's wines have arrived on our shelves. These are earthy, savory Champagnes that feel resoundingly authentic in the way they bring terroir and grape to the glass. They are extremely delicious wines, and modestly priced to boot. We trust you’ll find them as delightful as we do! Santé -Sophie