Benoît Déhu : Initiation V18

Characteristics and tasting tips for Benoît Déhu's Initiation V18

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a brilliant pale gold hue, enhanced by an exceptionally fine mousse that is both creamy and persistent.

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

Palate
The attack is lively and energetic, driven by a refreshing acidity reminiscent of pomelo and mandarin. The texture then proves broad and succulent, coating the palate with generous, fruity substance. The remarkably long finish stands out for its precision, its sapidity and its delicate saline, iodine touches.

Food and wine pairings

This champagne pairs wonderfully with seafood such as oysters or shellfish. It is also a superb match for roast poultry with sweet spices, delicate dishes from Asian cuisine, and 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 best served at a temperature between 8 and 10°C.

The authentic expression of a great terroir in the Marne Valley

The estate

Founded in 1787 in Fossoy, Champagne Déhu Père et Fils is part of a long and rich family tradition. Today, Benoît Déhu heads the estate and brings to it a vision deeply rooted in respect for nature. Showcasing his terroir through biodynamics and agroforestry, he is passionately restoring the reputation of the Meunier grape. His single-plot cuvées, vinified in wood from the family forest, express remarkable purity and captivate lovers of distinctive, artisan wines around the world.

The vineyard

The grapes come from selected plots in Fossoy, at the far western end of the Marne Valley, in the Champagne region. The vines thrive in a climate with oceanic influences, on marl-limestone soils and predominantly flint-rich terroirs. The vineyard is farmed according to the principles of organic and biodynamic viticulture, following the lunar calendar, with the soils worked by horse to encourage deep rooting and preserve biodiversity.

The blend

This non-vintage cuvée is based predominantly on the 2018 harvest. The blend is judiciously complemented by reserve wines from a perpetual solera, bringing remarkable depth and a complexity that spans the years.

Winemaking and ageing

The non-vintage Initiation V18 is crafted using an artisanal, low-intervention approach. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, and malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve optimal tension. The wine is entirely vinified and aged on its lees for ten months in 228-litre oak barrels made from wood from the family forest. This is followed by extended ageing sur lattes before disgorgement with no dosage whatsoever.

Grape varieties

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