Dehours : Lieu-Dit "Les Genevraux"

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Lieu-Dit "Les Genevraux" by Dehours

Tasting

Appearance
An intense, luminous golden hue, enlivened by a remarkably fine and consistent effervescence.

Nose
The bouquet initially reveals floral, buttery and vanilla notes, subtly underscored by a hint of aniseed. With aeration, it opens up with generous aromas of ripe yellow fruits, toasted bread and hazelnut.

Palate
The palate offers a beautiful breadth combined with remarkable tension. The whole is carried by a pronounced minerality that lingers towards a saline finish.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with seafood and shellfish, such as lobster, crab or oysters. It also goes very well with roast poultry served with herbs and vegetables, provided that overly rich sauces are avoided.

Serving and cellaring
It is recommended to serve the Lieu-Dit "Les Genevraux" in a large white wine glass, at a temperature above 10°C. Decanting is entirely possible to enhance its aromatic expression. Endowed with excellent ageing potential, this wine can be kept in the cellar for a further 8 to 12 years or so.

The pure expression of Meunier in a terroir-driven Champagne by Dehours

The estate
Founded in 1930 by Ludovic Dehours, the brand historically developed in the Marne Valley. Today, Jérôme Dehours heads this 14.5-hectare estate. Since taking over in 1996, he has profoundly transformed the domaine by ending its négociant activity to focus exclusively on the authentic expression of the Champagne terroir. HVE3 certified, the estate stands out for its artisanal approach, sustainable viticulture and the exceptional showcasing of the Meunier grape through unique single-plot cuvées.

The vineyard
Located in the village of Troissy in Champagne, the Les Genevraux lieu-dit plot is characterised by a very gentle north-facing slope. The old vines, the result of a massale selection and planted in 1979, thrive on a soil of decarbonated clays resting on limestone pebbles. Vine management aims to limit vigour in order to achieve low yields. The soil is worked mechanically beneath the row, while the middle of the alley is left grassed.

The blend
This cuvée is based on a perpetual reserve system established in 2013. The blend consists of approximately 40% wines from the new harvest and 60% reserve wines accumulated over the years, a method chosen to express the deep identity of the terroir beyond the climatic variations of a single vintage.

Vinification and ageing
The vinification and ageing of the Lieu-Dit "Les Genevraux" take place on the lees in oak barrels of 200, 300 and 500 litres. Clarification is carried out entirely naturally, without any filtration or fining, thus preserving all the wine's richness prior to bottling.

Grape variety
100% Meunier.