Benoit Dehu Initiation Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

Benoit, an 8th-generation winemaker, honed his craft at Champagne Bollinger before returning to his family's historic estate, established in 1787 on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne. Embracing natural and biodynamic farming methods, Benoit is dedicated to elevating the Pinot Meunier grape. He prefers oak barrels from the nearby Fossoy forest for aging his wines.

"Cuvee Initiation" is a blend from two parcels: Meunier from La Rue des Noyers (clay-limestone) and Pinot Noir from a small parcel at the hill's base, planted with a massive selection of Pommard clones from Burgundy (clay sand).

Practising organic and biodynamic methods, the grapes are hand-harvested. The base wine matures for 10 months on lees in 228L oak barrels before bottling, with a secondary fermentation lasting 24-30 months. The wine undergoes no malolactic fermentation, is unfined and unfiltered, and contains no dosage.

This cuvée offers an energetic lift of lemon zest, delicate white flowers, fresh salinity, and morning toast, all underscored by intense, vibrant, driving minerality.