2011 Louis Michel Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles

Louis Michel

France / Chablis / Louis Michel

Located on top of the most well-renowned hillside of the Chablis Grand Crus, and planted in 1958, our parcel of 50 ares (1.2 acres) produces a complex and powerful wine.
Terroir:
Kimmeridgian. Limestone pebbles encased in a clay texture, marl with oyster fossils. Relatively deep soil.
Grape & Vine:
100% Chardonnay. Vines aged about 55 years.
Vinification:
Long fermentation using natural yeast, in temperature-regulated tank. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Maturation:
On fine lees for at least 16 months, only in stainless steel tanks and with as little manipulation as possible. Long stabilisation at controlled, low temperatures. Fining if necessary using bentonite. One light filtration is performed before bottling at the winery.

August, 2013

Antonio Galloni

Vinous Media

92+ points

Tangerine, cloves, mint and smoke all emerge from the 2011 Chablis Grenouilles. There is lovely depth and focus in the glass, although the Grenouilles comes across as a bit compact relative to most 2011s. This introspective Chablis isn't ready to show all of its cards just yet. Although I expect the Grenouilles to soften a bit in bottle, the style is likely to always remain a bit on the firm side.

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About Louis Michel

The Michel family have been cultivating their passion for tradition and the Chablis terroir since 1850. The winery is situated in the heart of the village, with the 25-hectare vineyard spread over the very first slopes that were discovered by Cistercian monks in the 11th century. Forty years ago, the family decided to stop making the wine in wooden barrels, preferring to create clean, pure and precise Chablis without adding artificial woody tastes. Through this philosophy, combined with the limited yields inspired by organic winegrowing techniques, the domaine has developed a worldwide reputation for fine winemaking in stainless steel tanks. Today it’s Guillaume Michel who upholds the family tradition and further its reputation.

About

Guillaume Michel is the sixth-generation representative of a family which has been making wine since 1850. He was recently handed the reins by his uncle Jean-Loup Michel. Their philosophy is to impart as little interference as possible, with the two principal ambitions being to respect the environment and to reflect the terroir in their wines.