Christophe Mignon

France / Champagne

According to Antonio Galloni of Vinous Wine Journal, “Christophe Mignon might very well be the finest grower in Champagne most people have not heard about, yet.” Galloni may have a point. 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. Along with Jerome Prevost, there is likely no greater expert in 100% Pinot Meunier Champagnes. While it would be simplest to describe Mignon’s approach as biodynamic, it is much more complex and dynamic than that. While visiting him, Christophe tried – perhaps in vain – in a few short hours to expound his philosophy, which combines natural practices including biodynamics, phytotherapy, homeopathy, and geobiology. 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.