Dehours et Fils Terre de Meunier Champagne Cult Wine

Focused, rich and expressive; Dehours is a small RM (Récoltant manipulant) or grower that makes, bottles and markets wine exclusively from their own property. Established in 1930 by his grandfather, Jerome inherited the estate at a young age and unfortunately was forced to sell however since 1996 has set about re-purchasing his family holding and re-creating the estate. The estate is managed organically (albeit uncertified) and the wines are bottled unfiltered and with minimal added sulphur to allow the true expression of terroir. 

100% Pinot Meunier, this wine is based on the 2018 vintage from the vines of two slopes, one South facing called Le Patis de Cerseuil, the other one North facing, called Les Vignes Dans le Bois. This wine, all vinified and aged in stainless steel, is blended with a small proportion of Reserve wine, vinified and aged in oak barrels. After malolactic fermentation completed, the wine was aged in the bottle for 26 months.

A pale golden colour greets the eyes before the first taste, where yeast is initially prominent, including notes of baguette and grilled bread, with just a hint of brioche. Tiny, fast moving silky bubbles gently coat the palette with foam. Once the initial yeastiness dissipates, the fruit shines through: Think ripe Williams and nashi pears, plump stone fruits- particularly apricots- mandarin peel and lemon. There is a hint of honey, orange blossom, almond and salt. Being Extra Brut, the wine is very crisp and refreshing, making one salivate. With a minimum of perpetual reserve added, this wine remains fresh and tense. This would be great with the classic pairing of oysters, but the juiciness to this wine also means it could stand up to fattier foods too.