Benoît Déhu : Initiation V22 Rosé

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Benoît Déhu's Initiation V22 Rosé

Tasting

Appearance
The colour reveals a delicate pink onion-skin hue, enhanced by a beautifully fine bead.

Nose
The nose opens with luscious red fruit aromas, blending strawberry and raspberry, subtly complemented by notes of yeast and brioche.

Palate
Rich and energetic, the palate offers a lovely acid tension that perfectly balances the fruity intensity. The texture is enveloping, marked by well-integrated oak, leading to a lingering finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

This gastronomic wine pairs wonderfully with seafood such as smoked salmon or langoustines, delicate fish, as well as white meats in sauce. It also goes very well with vegetarian dishes featuring roasted root vegetables or lightly sweetened desserts with dark chocolate and red fruits.

Serving and Ageing

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve the non-vintage Initiation V22 Rosé at a temperature of between 6 and 8°C as an aperitif, or slightly warmer with a meal. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve favourably in the cellar for approximately 5 to 10 years.

The Pure and Distinctive Palette of a Rosé Champagne from the Vallée de la Marne

The Estate

The history of the Déhu family began in 1787 with the founding of the Déhu Père & Fils house in Fossoy, in the Vallée de la Marne. Today, Benoît Déhu, representing the eighth generation, is the owner and head of his own project. After honing his skills within a major Champagne house, he set aside part of the family vineyard in the early 2010s to create highly distinctive single-plot cuvées. His artisanal approach and deep commitment to terroir have made him a key figure in the region.

The Vineyard

Located on the hillsides of Fossoy, in the western part of the Vallée de la Marne in Champagne, the 2.25-hectare vineyard is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles. The vines, planted at high density and worked with a horse, thrive on soils typical of the region, blending chalk, marl, clay and sand. This unspoilt environment, bordered by forests, encourages deep rooting and optimal grape concentration.

The Blend

Although non-vintage, this wine is based on the 2022 harvest, a year renowned for offering favourable climatic conditions for excellent ripeness and a perfect balance of the berries.

Winemaking and Ageing

The winemaking of the non-vintage Initiation V22 Rosé stands out for its highly non-interventionist approach. Fermentation is triggered exclusively by indigenous yeasts. The entire winemaking and ageing process takes place in 228-litre oak barrels, the wood for which comes directly from the Meilleray forest, owned by the winemaker. The wine is then bottled without fining or filtration, before ageing on the lees and disgorgement with no dosage added.

Grape Varieties

This wine is made from a blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.