Vintage: NV 

Grape: Pinot Meunier

Country: France

Appellation: Champagne

Located just outside the tiny village of Festigny, Mignon farms a mere 6 ha, planted almost exclusively to Pinot Meunier. The vines were planted by his great-grandparents and are spread among thirty parcels between the villages of Le Breuil and Festigny in the Vallee de la Marne.

Mignon has practiced biodynamics for 16 years and followed the lunar calendar for 20 years, allowing the moon’s cycles to dictate his work in the vineyards and in the cellar. Harvests adhere strictly to this calendar, as do tirage and disgorgement. In essence, Mignon strives to follow the rhythm of nature and this informs each decision he makes. While this might seem a tad esoteric to some, the results are nothing short of breathtaking.

This non-vintage Champagnes spends a minimum of 24 months in bottle before disgorgement. Christophe uses the bare minimum of sulphur at bottling. Along with Jerome Prevost, there is likely no greater expert in 100% Pinot Meunier Champagnes. Put plainly, Christophe makes some of the most unique and compelling wines in the region that should not be missed.

"The NV Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs ADN de Meunier is powerful, savory and super-expressive. Dried apricot, chamomile, graphite, spice and dried flowers all infuse this layered, vinous Champagne from Mignon with tons of character. Broad and creamy, with terrific depth, the Blanc de Noirs ADN de Meunier is super impressive not to mention incredibly delicious too. This release is equal parts 2018 and 2017. Disgorged: May 19, 2022. Drinking window: 2022-2030."

92 pts, Antonio Galloni, November 2022