Chablis 1er Cru, Butteaux Vieilles Vignes, Louis Michel

A family of winemakers since the 19th century the Michel family vineyards are planted on the first slopes to be farmed by Cistercian monks during the 11th century. The 25 hectares encapsulate 3 Grand Crus and 7 Premier Crus as well as Chablis and Petit Chablis terroir. Guillaume Michel runs the domaine now, 80% of the vines are farmed organically, he is strictly sustainable in the vineyards with the highest level of HVE certification.  Biodiversity is vital to their work with hedgerow populations of insects and a population of bees humming through the vineyards. In the winery, the wines are vinified only in stainless steel, using natural yeasts to preserve the expression of terroir in its purest form. Without the presence of oxygen in the early stages of their development these wines take longer to express themselves in bottle, but richly reward those who wait.