Champagne Michel Arnould Genèse Grand Cru Extra Brut – 100% Pinot Noir from Verzenay

Michel Arnould Genèse Grand Cru – The pure expression of Pinot Noir from Verzenay

Some Champagnes stand out for their elegance, others for their power and character. Michel Arnould Genèse Grand Cru brings these qualities together in a beautifully balanced Blanc de Noirs. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown in the prestigious Grand Cru vineyards of Verzenay, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, this Champagne offers an authentic expression of its exceptional terroir.

Verzenay is one of Champagne's most renowned villages for Pinot Noir. Its chalk-rich soils and distinctive vineyard conditions produce wines with remarkable structure, depth and minerality. This combination of power and refinement is at the heart of the Genèse style.

The Champagne House Michel Arnould – Family heritage and respect for terroir

Champagne Michel Arnould is an independent family-owned estate based in Verzenay, where the family has been closely connected to viticulture for generations. Its history dates back to the late nineteenth century. In the 1930s, Henri Lefèvre began producing and bottling his own Grand Cru Champagne, establishing the foundations of the family estate. The house later became known as Michel Arnould.

Today, Patrick Arnould and his family continue this tradition. The estate works with grapes from its own Grand Cru vineyards, maintaining a close connection between vineyard, terroir and winemaking.

The house is particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir-based Champagnes. Its philosophy focuses on precision, authenticity and the individual character of the vineyards. Rather than producing anonymous Champagne, Michel Arnould aims to create wines that express their origin and grape variety with clarity and personality.

The wine – 100% Pinot Noir, powerful yet elegant

Genèse is a Blanc de Noirs, a white Champagne made exclusively from black grapes. In this case, the blend consists of 100% Pinot Noir. Only the first and finest fraction of the pressing, known as the cuvée, is selected.

The base wine is fermented and matured predominantly in stainless steel tanks, complemented by ageing in oak barrels. It rests on its fine lees and gains additional complexity from the inclusion of reserve wines.

This careful approach creates an appealing balance between freshness, structure and depth.

In the glass, Genèse displays a beautiful golden-yellow colour and lively bubbles. The nose reveals distinctive toasted and roasted aromas, accompanied by delicate red and black fruit notes.

On the palate, the Champagne opens with an invigorating freshness. Flavours of red fruit, mandarin and clementine are complemented by subtle toasted nuances and a pronounced mineral character. Its refined salinity and elegant citrus finish provide both tension and length.

The Extra Brut dosage enhances the purity and precision of the Pinot Noir, allowing the natural fruit expression and mineral character to shine through.

Gastronomy – A Champagne made for the dining table

With its structure, refined mousse and gastronomic complexity, Michel Arnould Genèse Grand Cru is much more than an aperitif Champagne. Its versatility makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of refined dishes.

Recommended food pairings include:

• Poultry: roasted Bresse chicken, guinea fowl or chicken with morel mushrooms.

• Veal and white meat: veal sweetbreads, gently braised veal or veal fillet with a creamy mushroom sauce.

• Mushroom dishes: pan-fried wild mushrooms, chanterelles and morels.

• Fish and seafood: scallops, pan-fried turbot or lobster with a delicate butter sauce.

• Vegetarian cuisine: grilled seasonal vegetables, celeriac and dishes featuring earthy flavours.

It is equally enjoyable as part of a luxurious aperitif or served throughout an elegant dinner.

Serving temperature: 8–10 °C.

Our recommendation: Do not reserve this Champagne exclusively for celebrations. Serve it at the dining table, where its combination of Pinot Noir richness, mineral tension and refreshing elegance can truly shine.