Quietly in the shadows of the larger houses of the Côte de Blancs, vine-growing Champagne artisans such as Jean-Michel Turgy are crafting character-rich, memorable wines based on the traditions and passions of past winemaking generations.

Turgy sets himself apart with wines that do more than just reflect the Mesnil style—sumptuous, sensual and richly flavored—but faithfully capture the true character of the region’s unparalleled terroir, a personality often muted by mass-producing Champagne houses.

For more than 130 years, the Turgy family has grown and harvested Chardonnay grapes on these chalky soils, and because of this, they can certainly claim to be more than acquainted with the true soul and substance of Mesnil.

Turgy’s library of vintages in the family’s cool cellar is vast; barrels full of nearly two decades of wine are stored here. This wealth of blending options makes for a non-vintage wine (North Berkeley Imports’ selection includes some 30% reserve wine) of extraordinary complexity and length. There are few non-vintage wines that age as well as does Turgy Champagne!