Technical details
Vinification & maturation
Indigenous-yeast fermentationTemperature-controlled tanksSpontaneous malolactic fermentation6 –10 monthsStainless-steel maturationModerate cold stabilizationLight single filtration
Grapes
Chardonnay
Soils
LimestoneMarlKimmeridgian
Producer
Louis Michel et Fils
France
Louis Michel & Fils is a family-owned estate in Chablis, Burgundy, founded in 1850 and now managed by Guillaume Gicqueau-Michel. The domaine farms 25 hectares of 100% Chardonnay, with about 70% of the vineyards in Premier and Grand Cru sites. Vines average 45–50 years old, and 80% are farmed organically, holding HVE certification. Winemaking emphasizes a non-interventionist approach: fermentation occurs exclusively in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, no oak aging, and minimal manipulation to preserve the pure expression of Chablis terroir. Annual production is around 40,000–60,000 bottles, including three Grand Cru and seven to eight Premier Cru wines.
Vineyard scale
Small
20-40 ha
Production scale
Medium
120-240k bottles/yr