Benoît Déhu : Initiation V22 Rosé

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Initiation V22 Rosé by Benoît Déhu

Tasting

Colour
The wine reveals a delicate onion-skin pink hue, enhanced by an exceptionally fine perlage.

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

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

Food and Wine Pairing

A wine made for the table, it pairs beautifully with seafood such as smoked salmon or langoustines, delicate fish and white meats in sauce. It is also an excellent match for vegetarian dishes with roasted root vegetables, or for lightly sweetened desserts featuring dark chocolate and red fruits.

Serving and Ageing

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

The Pure and Distinctive Palette of a Rosé Champagne from the Marne Valley

The Estate

The Déhu family story began in 1787 with the founding of the house of Déhu Père & Fils in Fossoy, in the Marne Valley. Today, Benoît Déhu, the eighth generation, is the owner and driving force behind his own project. After cutting his teeth at a major Champagne house, he set aside part of the family vineyard in the early 2010s to create single-parcel cuvées with a strong identity. His artisanal approach and deep commitment to terroir have made him a leading figure in the region.

The Vineyard

Located on the slopes of Fossoy, in the western part of the Marne Valley in Champagne, the 2.25-hectare vineyard is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles. The densely planted vines, worked by horse, thrive on soils typical of the region, combining chalk, marl, clay and sand. This unspoilt, forest-fringed environment encourages deep rooting and optimal concentration in the grapes.

The Blend

Although non-vintage, this wine is based on the 2022 harvest, a year renowned for offering weather conditions conducive to fine ripeness and perfectly balanced berries.

Winemaking and Maturation

The winemaking of the non-vintage Initiation V22 Rosé is distinguished by a minimal-intervention approach. Fermentations are triggered exclusively by indigenous yeasts. Vinification and maturation take place entirely in 228-litre oak barrels, crafted from wood sourced directly from the Meilleray forest, owned by the winemaker. The wine is then bottled without fining or filtration, before ageing on the lees and being disgorged with zero dosage.

Grape Varieties

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