Wine List
Nocturne: NV Tradition Extra Brut, 2015 Blanc de Blancs Brut
Grand Tasting: NV Initiation V.21 Brut Nature, NV Tradition Extra Brut, 2019 La Rue des Noyers Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, 2019 Blanc de Blancs Brut
Gala Dinner: NV Initiation V.21 Brut Nature, 2015 La Rue des Noyers Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
The Champagne house of Déhu Père et Fils was founded in 1787, two years before the French Revolution.
The passionate and pensive Benoit Déhu represents the eighth generation of vignerons at this historic, but under the radar estate located on the far western edge of the Vallée de la Marne. After a fruitful stint at Bollinger, Benoit returned to the family domaine with a strong vision for future.
Because the family Champagne house is well established, Benoit has the unique opportunity to both manage the estate and explore his passion for naturally farmed, handmade, artisanal Champagnes under his own label, Champagne Benoit Déhu.
In 2011, he peeled off 1.70 hectares of choice vines that he farms biodynamically, 0.40ha of which are worked with a horse. From these vines he crafts a single-vineyard, single-vintage, single-variety Champagne called “La Rue des Noyers”, named for the parcel that was once bordered by hazelnut trees (Noyers).
The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees in the nearby forest of Fossoy. From this same parcel, Benoit also produces a Coteaux Champenois white and red. All three wines are made from 100% Meunier. This extremely focused micro-project allows Benoit to gain a better understanding of the Meunier grape via three distinct expressions of Meunier from the same terroir.
The style of Benoit’s low- and zero-dosage wines is intense, urgent and energetic, with beautiful tension and fine minerality. Though production is miniscule – less than 4,000 bottles – fellow vignerons and wine professional are taking note of Benoit’s work, earning him an enthusiastic underground following.
He has quickly established himself as a vigneron to watch in one of France’s most dynamic and progressive wine growing regions.