In the heart of the Marne Valley, 15 kilometres from Épernay, lies Domaine Dehours et Fils - a fourth-generation grower house deeply committed to the charm and potential of their Pinot Meunier fruit that blooms from their sandy, clay over limestone soils in the tiny village of Cerseuil. Talented head vigneron and true perfectionist Jérôme Dehours aims to craft cuvées both complex and flavourful, choosing to vinify his best hand-harvested output in oak barrels, keeping only a very small production team of around ten people come vintage time, and intentionally maintaining very small dosage levels so to allow the natural expression of this fruit to emerge.
This is truly an area of Champagne where Meunier reigns supreme (a favoured sourcing site for Krug), and we have perhaps not seen a more enjoyable recently-disgorged NV in recent months than this week's Champagne Monday special; their Grande Réserve Brut! Bursting with a mosaic of concentrated phenolics and waves of generous fruit vibrance, no doubt bolstered by the inclusion of perpetual reserve wines (solera method) Jérôme has overseen in the same barrels since 1998, this has the feel of a wine far beyond its youth, with rich emboldened notes of brioche, apricot, honeysuckle and cinnamon spice. More than anything, it is a forward and totally approachable cuvée, prime to pop and savour endlessly now.
This family passion-project that Jérôme continues to lead with love and passion becomes very clear here, and we can foresee this delicious option pairing well with salmon, prawns, deep-fried finger foods and blue cheeses. We're so pleased to have discovered this great modern grower, and will be keeping a close eye on all of their efforts from now on!
Jérôme Dehours is known and respected as a true perfectionist, with clear-cut convictions and lucidity regarding how everything is done, from the vineyards all the way into the bottle. The natural elements and unique soils of the Marne Valley are of high importance to his work.
Champagne Dehours & Fils Grande Réserve NV
$109 on special this week ($129 RRP)
// 80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir
2022 base vintage, with 32% perpetual reserve wines (solera method began in 1998)
Cellared in June 2023, and disgorged January 2025 (aged in bottle for 19 months)
1.1g/L dosage
"The Domaine predominantly produces Pinot Meunier in addition to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Pinot Meunier varietal is best suited to this cooler area of Champagne and is a favourite of the Marne Valley. Dehours Champagnes are eagerly sought by champagne enthusiasts for their renowned “Meunier style;” bold, flavourful and showing a clear terroir-orientated approach. Upon tasting, you’ll understand how the characteristics of the Pinot Meunier grape have become inextricably linked to the identity of this iconic vineyard. The colour is a luxurious soft gold in the glass with a vibrant bouquet of bright orange and lemon citrus, ripe apricot, pears, pine resin, wax and toasted brioche. The palate is vibrant and jolly, featuring apple pie, white and yellow stone fruit, cinnamon and vanilla spice. The dynamic mouthfeel and bubbles are silky smooth with delicious minerals lingering on the finish." - Importer Notes
"Pale straw colour. Quite a bit of development on the nose and very, very much more interesting than the average NV. Bravo! This is what grower's champagne is all about." - 17/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW
"Dehours’s NV Brut Grande Réserve is built on the 2022 vintage and bolstered by 40% to 50% reserve wines from a perpetual cuvée initiated in 1998, it opens with expressive aromas of pear, peach, orange zest and honeysuckle. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and ample, underpinned by vibrant acidity. Demonstrative and approachable, this wine promises immediate pleasure." - 92 Points, Kristaps Karklins, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
If you wish to purchase this champagne, please use the link above
Otherwise, if you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special price valid until Monday the 8th of June