Dehours : Lieu-Dit "La Côte"

Tasting Notes and Characteristics of the Lieu-Dit "La Côte" by Dehours

Tasting

Nose
The aromatic bouquet is complex and engaging, releasing subtle notes of orange peel and green apple, harmoniously complemented by indulgent touches of almond and sourdough.

Palate
On the palate, the tasting stands out for its remarkable freshness and a strikingly pronounced saline minerality. The whole is carried by a beautiful tension that perfectly reflects the identity of its native terroir.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with raw seafood such as oysters or sea urchins, as well as with poached white fish or fish tartare. It will also elegantly accompany shellfish, dishes with Asian influences, or refined vegetarian fare such as a mushroom risotto or asparagus. It is also an excellent choice for a characterful aperitif.

Serving and ageing
To fully appreciate the Lieu-Dit "La Côte", it is recommended to serve it in a large white wine glass at a temperature above 10°C. Decanting is entirely possible to release its aromas. As for ageing, this wine will reach its peak within its first decade and can be cellared for approximately 10 to 15 years.

A Champagne by Dehours combining structure and finesse

The estate
Founded in 1930 by Ludovic Dehours, this family estate spans a 14.5-hectare vineyard located in the Marne Valley, in the heart of Champagne. Today, the property has been led by Jérôme Dehours since 1996. He instils a true philosophy centred on respect for the environment, certified organic and HVE3. The estate stands out for its meticulous parcel-by-parcel approach and its commitment to showcasing the local terroir, with particular emphasis on the authenticity and richness of its soils.

The vineyard
The grapes come from four specific parcels located on the heights of the village of Port à Binson, in the Mareuil-le-Port area of Champagne. These lieux-dits (La Côte en Bosses, Le Ravail, Les Grèves and Maisoncelle) benefit from a north-east exposure on mid-slope, at an altitude of about 110 metres. The terroir consists of a clay-sandy soil resting on a limestone bedrock, cultivated using organic farming methods with mechanical soil work to preserve biodiversity.

The blend
This cuvée comes from a perpetual reserve started in 2013 for each parcel, with the aim of expressing the quintessence of the terroir beyond the vintage effect. The blend generally includes around 70% of wines from the most recent harvest, complemented by 30% of wines from this perpetual reserve, allowing each component to find its own balance over time.

Winemaking and ageing
The making of the Lieu-Dit "La Côte" is carried out with minimal intervention. Fermentation and ageing on lees take place in oak barrels of 200, 300 and 500 litres, promoting controlled micro-oxygenation. The wine benefits from natural clarification, without any filtration or fining, thus preserving all its aromatic richness and texture.

Grape varieties
This cuvée is the result of a co-planting and a blend of several varieties that shape its identity: Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Petit Meslier.