NV Michel Genet, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru Extra Brut
The Champagne house of Michel Genet lies in the village of Chouilly, in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne. Michel’s sons, Antoine and Vincent, now oversee all of the winemaking and manage their eight hectares of vineyards in the two neighboring communes of Chouilly and Cramant, both of which are classified as Grand Cru. This is the land of Chardonnay, and it grows quite happily in the east and southeast facing vineyards with their chalky soils. The Genet vineyards have an average age of 30 years, which they feel is a good level of maturity for maintaining healthy vines, and producing aromatic wines. Their Champagnes are very representative of the Côte des Blancs, expressing the aromas, flavors, and personality of Chardonnay with purity and elegance. This Champagne is a blend of fruit from both Chouilly and Cramant, and is very fresh and lively on the nose, with notes of flowers and white fruit. Being an Extra Brut, there is little dosage, and it is quite dry and crisp, yet still generous in the mouth. It is $49.75 and would be a lovely accompaniment for appetizers, or to pair with a special meal.