Producer: Les Frères Mignon is a family-owned grower estate based in Cramant Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs. Brothers Florent and Julien Mignon represent the fourth generation of the family, taking over the domaine in 2015 after studying viticulture and enology. The estate farms approximately 8 hectares, with vineyard holdings concentrated in Cramant, Avize, Cuis, Cumières, and Cernay-lès-Reims. Chardonnay accounts for the majority of plantings. Vineyard management emphasizes soil cultivation, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs. Individual parcels are harvested separately and vinified independently to preserve site identity before blending. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, and the wines receive extended lees aging prior to disgorgement.
Vineyard: This cuvée is produced from 100% Chardonnay grown exclusively in Cramant Grand Cru, one of the highest-rated Chardonnay villages in the Côte des Blancs. The fruit is sourced from old-vine parcels rooted in the village's Campanian chalk soils, which provide natural drainage while supplying water reserves during dry periods. Cramant is known for producing Blanc de Blancs with broad texture, fine acidity, and pronounced chalk-driven minerality. The 2017 vintage presented significant weather challenges throughout Champagne, although the Côte des Blancs was less affected than many Pinot Noir-growing areas, allowing Chardonnay to achieve good maturity while retaining freshness.
Winemaking: The 2017 Cramant Grand Cru was fermented with indigenous yeasts, with vinification carried out in a combination of used oak barrels and stainless steel to preserve both texture and freshness. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally. Following primary fermentation, the wine matured on its lees before bottling for secondary fermentation and extended aging in the cellar. The wine was released as Extra Brut, with a low dosage intended to preserve the natural balance and mineral character of the Chardonnay rather than emphasize sweetness. Minimal intervention is practiced throughout élevage, including restrained sulfur additions and gentle handling before disgorgement.
Technical Details: Champagne AOC; Vintage 2017; 100% Chardonnay; Cramant Grand Cru; Côte des Blancs; old-vine fruit grown on chalk soils; indigenous yeast fermentation; vinified in a combination of used oak barrels and stainless steel; extended lees aging; Extra Brut dosage; approximately 12% alcohol.
Food Pairing: The combination of Grand Cru Chardonnay, extended lees aging, and Extra Brut dosage makes this wine well suited to raw shellfish, oysters, scallops, turbot, Dover sole, lobster, roast chicken, and aged Comté. Its chalk-driven acidity and autolytic complexity also complement dishes featuring butter-based sauces without overwhelming delicate seafood.
