Benoît Déhu : La Rue des Noyers 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for La Rue des Noyers 2020 by Benoît Déhu

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a golden hue with a satin-like sheen, subtly enhanced by elegant coppery highlights.

Nose
Complex and structured, the nose opens with aromas of green apple, peach and yellow fruit. It then gains depth with notes of white flowers and violet, accompanied by lovely minerality and a touch of spice.

Palate
A remarkably fresh attack gives way to a broad mid-palate with a silky texture. Taut and saline, the palate stretches into a long, beautifully precise finish.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine is an ideal match for seafood such as oysters, sushi or white fish. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh goat's cheese, as well as white meats such as poultry or veal.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal enjoyment, this wine is best served at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. Its structure allows it to benefit from brief aeration in large glasses. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2030.

The pure expression of Meunier in a terroir-driven Coteaux Champenois by Benoît Déhu

The estate

Founded in 1787 in Fossoy, at the westernmost tip of the Marne Valley, the family house is now driven forward by Benoît Déhu, who represents the eighth generation. After a formative experience at a major house, he has breathed new energy into the estate. He set certain plots apart to create a micro-estate focused on biodynamics, agroforestry and showcasing Meunier. Certified organic since 2020, the estate stands out for its artisanal approach and its commitment to producing highly precise terroir wines.

The vineyard

The single 1.70-hectare plot, planted in 1972, lies at the top of a south-east-facing slope bordered by forest. Divided into three sections according to rootstock, this terroir benefits from biodynamic practices, horse-drawn ploughing on part of the surface, and an ambitious agroforestry programme that includes planting trees in the heart of the vines. This exceptional vineyard gives rise to this great still white wine from the Coteaux Champenois appellation.

Winemaking and ageing

The production of La Rue des Noyers 2020 relies on fermentations triggered by indigenous yeasts in oak barrels crafted from trees from the neighbouring forest. To preserve maximum tension, malolactic fermentation is blocked. The wine then undergoes extended ageing on the lees to refine its texture and aromatic complexity.

Grape variety

Pinot Meunier (100%)