One third new oak is used. The wines benefit from extended contact with the lees and regular battonage, which contributes to their rich and expressive character. To enhance the wines’ vivacity, after 12 months the cuvees are assembled into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks where they complete their maturation over the next 6 months. The estate’s entire production now appears under the Domaine Mestre-Michelot label.
Domaine Michelot’s vineyard practices aim at maintaining a balanced natural environment. The aim is to encourage the vine’s natural resistance mechanisms. They regularly plough the soils and apply compost as opposed to chemical fertilizers. Grass is planted between all the rows to absorb water, thereby creating a condition of mild hydric stress for the wines. This condition serves 3 purposes: it encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, enhancing the wine’s complexity; it makes for healthier grapes while concentrating their sugar and flavors; and it creates an environment in which vine maladies caused by moisture are naturally prevented.