NV Benoit Dehu 'La Rue des Noyers' 750ml

Overview

La Rue des Noyers is a highly distinctive Blanc de Noirs Champagne from Benoit Déhu, produced entirely from Pinot Meunier grown in Fossoy in the western Vallée de la Marne. Concentrated, savoury and intensely expressive, it combines the richness of old-vine Meunier with biodynamic farming, native-yeast fermentation and zero dosage.

Vineyard & Viticulture

The wine comes from the 1.7-hectare single parcel “Rue des Noyers” in Fossoy, planted on clay-limestone soils. The vineyard is planted entirely to Pinot Meunier and is farmed organically and biodynamically, with Ecocert and Demeter certification. The fruit is hand harvested.

Winemaking

La Rue des Noyers is made by the traditional method. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts, followed by élevage in foudre. Benoit Déhu vinifies and ages his wines in barrel and foudre in an old grainery adapted to maintain stable natural temperature and humidity. The wine is released without dosage as Brut Nature.

Tasting Notes

Importer Note
“Pouring copper in colour and large beaded, you know you're in for a ride. Concentrated and intense, dry and rich, and savoury. Layer upon layer of secondary complexities will keep you coming back for more. No dosage. Very limited.”

Ratings

94/100 — Wine & Spirits Magazine
Tasted December 2022

93/100 — The Wine Independent
Tasted November 2023

Producer

Benoit Déhu is an eighth-generation Champagne grower based in Fossoy in the Vallée de la Marne. After a formative period at Bollinger, he returned to his family estate in 2009 and progressively moved the domaine towards organic and biodynamic farming. His focus is particularly strong on Pinot Meunier, with parcel-specific wines designed to express the grape and terroir with minimal intervention.

Specifications

• Producer: Benoit Déhu
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Sub-Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Village: Fossoy
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Wine Style: Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine
• Method: Traditional Method
• Sweetness: Brut Nature / Extra Brut
• Dosage: Zero dosage
• Alcohol: 12%
• Vineyard: Rue des Noyers
• Vineyard Size: 1.7 hectares
• Soil: Clay and limestone
• Viticulture: Certified Organic and Biodynamic
• Certification: Ecocert and Demeter
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Fermentation: Native yeasts
• Maturation: Foudre