Michel Mailliard
Mont Vergon Vintage Brut – 2005
Region: France - Champagne
Michel Mailliard
Vertus, the village in Champagne’s famous Côte des Blancs, has been the home of the Mailliard family for four generations. Although the wine tradition is the thread of the family history, and while the first official references date back to 1894, the real founder of the House is Alexis Mailliard, born more than a century ago. Today, the third and fourth generations, Michel and Gregory respectively, take care of the 23 hectare (55 acre) family vineyard.
Grapes / Soils
| Chardonnay | Calcareous & chalk | 55 ha |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- The vineyard of Champagne Michel Mailliard is in the department Marne, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, the wine area that stretches over some 20 km to the south, south-east from Epernay.
- The area is named after the color of Chardonnay, the grape planted on some 95% of the soil. The Champagnes made with Chardonnay are called Blanc de Blancs.
- If, according to the experts, the Côte des Blancs gives way to the best champagnes, this is largely due to its soil, as it lays on a chalk outcrop, unlike other parts of the vineyard where the chalk is more deeply buried.
Winemaker's Notes
- Michel Mailliard is a complex man. Besides being a vigneron and champagne maker, he is an innovator, entrepreneur, and leader with a touch of politician. While his name is unknown in America, among the champagne producers of Vertus, he is a very prominent figure. Decades ago Michel saw many of his neighbors with small vineyard plots of very good quality grapes in need of a better place to produce their champagnes. So, he created one of the first in champagne of what we call today custom crush facilities. These types of facilities are now common place in many wine regions around the world, helping artisan producers and garagists. Over time, the small start-up grew to house the current state-of-the-art champagne producing equipment and perfect storage facilities.
- Each vigneron controls the production of his/her champagne separately from the other producers. It has allowed even the smallest of champagne producers to make their own style of champagne.
- A number of years ago Michel turned his focus to further expanding and developing his family vineyards and brand Champagne Michel Mailliard. The objective of the House is to grow and create champagnes that reflect the vision and sensory cues that have been passed on from father to son. Until recently, Champagne Michel Mailliard was only available in France, sold mostly to private customers and poured in restaurants in Paris. Michel and his son, Gregory, are dedicated to presenting to the world their highly precise expressions of Champagne.
- Gregory manages the vineyards and the harvest. He stands side-by-side with his father learning the craft of champagne making – the Mailliard way.
Wine Summary
- Made from Chardonnay grapes.
- Grown on soils of Calcareous & chalk.
- Fermented in stainless steel tanks.
- Aged in bottle prior to disgorgement.
- Aged for 7 years.
Technical Information
- 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
- Brut – Residual sugar 9.2 g/L
- Alcohol level: 12.2 %
- From a single vineyard plot and an exceptional year
Miscellaneous
- Was awarded a Gold Medal at the Effervescents du Monde 2012 (Best Sparkling Wines of the World)
- Was awarded a Silver Medal at the IVth Challenge for the best Wines and Spirits for Asia (2014)
- Was awarded a Gold Medal at Gilbert & Gaillard 2015
- Was awarded a Gold Medal at Féminalise 2014
- Was awarded a Gold Medal at the Worldwide Competition of Brussels
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation(s) | Côte des Blancs |
| Proprietors | Michel Mailliard |
| Founded | 1894 |
| Winemaker | Michel & Gregory Mailliard (father & son) |
| Annual Production | 3,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |