After gaining invaluable experience at Champagne Bollinger, Benoît Déhu, the eighth generation of his family’s long-standing winemaking legacy, returned to his family estate on the far western edge of the Vallée de la Marne. This historic domaine, which predates the French Revolution, was established in 1787 under the name Déhu Père et Fils.

Upon his return, Benoît set forth with a clear vision of natural viticulture and a passion to unlock the full potential of the Meunier grape. In 2011, Benoît began his exploration of Meunier’s capabilities by focusing on a 1.7-hectare parcel known as “La Rue des Noyers”. This vineyard is farmed biodynamically, with 0.40 hectares worked using a horse, underscoring Benoît’s commitment to natural and sustainable farming methods. His artisanal approach extends from the vineyard into the winery, where grapes from this parcel are fermented and aged in oak barrels made from trees in the nearby Fossoy forest.

Benoît produces three distinct wines from La Rue des Noyers:

• Champagne La Rue des Noyers: A single-vineyard, single-vintage, 100% Meunier
• Coteaux Champenois White: A still white wine made entirely from Meunier.
• Coteaux Champenois Red: A rare still red wine, also 100% Meunier.

This focused micro-project is a reflection of Benoît’s deep curiosity to understand Meunier through different winemaking styles, all from the same terroir. His wines are celebrated for their intensity, vibrancy, and mineral-driven character, capturing the energy and precision of the vineyard. The low- and zero-dosage style of his wines highlights their purity, driven by the philosophy of letting the terroir speak for itself.

In 2015, Benoît expanded his range with two new cuvées that further demonstrate his innovative approach:

• Initiation: A blend of Meunier from La Rue des Noyers and Pinot Noir, sourced from a parcel at the base of the hill, rich in clay and sand. This Pinot Noir is planted using massale selection Pommard clone from Burgundy, adding depth and complexity to the blend.
• L’Orme: A 100% Pinot Noir Champagne, produced from a tiny parcel previously planted with elm trees (“Orme”). This cuvée is known for its elegance and complexity, embodying the signature qualities of Déhu’s Champagnes.

His production remains incredibly limited, each year, he produces fewer than 4,000 bottles, His focus on natural viticulture, dedication to the Meunier grape, an homage to the land but also a forward-thinking interpretation of Champagne’s future, blending tradition with a modern, artisanal touch.

Distribution in UK – only to private clients.

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 Champagne Benoit Déhu