Benoît Déhu : Initiation V18

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Benoît Déhu's Initiation V18

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a brilliant pale gold hue, enhanced by a remarkably fine effervescence that is both creamy and persistent.

Nose
Particularly rich, the aromatic bouquet opens with delicate notes of white fruits and citrus, accompanied by floral touches. With aeration, it gains complexity, revealing indulgent aromas of caramelised apple, toasted hazelnut and brioche, underscored by subtle nuances of honey, sweet spices and red berries.

Palate
The attack is lively and energetic, carried by a refreshing acidity reminiscent of pomelo and mandarin. The texture then reveals itself to be full and plump, enveloping the palate with generous fruit character. The finish, remarkably long, stands out for its precision, sapidity and delicate saline, iodised touches.

Food Pairings

This champagne pairs wonderfully with seafood such as oysters or shellfish. It also brilliantly complements roasted poultry with sweet spices, delicate dishes from Asian cuisine, as well as aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate all the nuances of the non-vintage Initiation V18, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 8 and 10°C.

The Authentic Expression of a Great Terroir from the Vallée de la Marne

The Estate

Founded in 1787 in Fossoy, the Champagne Déhu Père et Fils estate is rooted in a long and rich family tradition. Today, Benoît Déhu heads the property and brings a vision deeply respectful of nature. By enhancing his terroir through biodynamics and agroforestry, he passionately revives the Meunier grape variety. His single-plot cuvées, vinified in oak sourced from the family forest, express remarkable purity and captivate lovers of terroir-driven wines around the world.

The Vineyard

The grapes come from selected plots located in Fossoy, at the far western end of the Vallée de la Marne, within the Champagne region. The vines flourish under an oceanic-influenced climate, on marl-limestone soils and terroirs predominantly composed of flint. The vineyard is farmed according to the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture, following the lunar calendar, with soil work carried out using horses to encourage deep rooting and preserve biodiversity.

The Blend

This non-vintage cuvée is based primarily on the 2018 vintage. This blend is judiciously complemented by reserve wines from a perpetual solera, lending remarkable depth and temporal complexity.

Winemaking and Ageing

The making of the non-vintage Initiation V18 stands out for its artisanal, minimal-intervention approach. Fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts, and malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve optimal tension. The wine is entirely vinified and aged on lees for ten months in 228-litre oak barrels crafted from wood sourced from the family forest. This is followed by a long maturation on staves before disgorgement with no dosage.

Grape Varieties

This Blanc de Noirs is crafted from a blend dominated by Pinot Meunier, complemented by Pinot Noir.